Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also its thriving communities. Students have numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
While hunting for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys could amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these trains vary based on distance and each company’s fare structure. Central London features major attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are key to its cultural richness, providing varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The best places to stay in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the city’s accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.