Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis that presents a wide array of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have numerous selections available. Both student residences and private lodgings offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and gauge the closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric regions, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating the city and moving between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travel more affordable. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, spreading into zones outside the central region. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure established by each train company. The higher living costs in Central London are attributed to its significant attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation costs, which vastly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities form a core part of its cultural landscape, resulting in a variety of neighborhoods. A number of international students often look for aspects reminiscent of their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian populace with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant district featuring Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community areas.
The ideal locales to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. During your search for a new home, take advantage of London’s varied housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.