Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms and private spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, as well as the amenities offered and their closeness to public transport.
During my housing search, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have rendered university trips more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to regions outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London showcases major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural richness, providing a vast array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of similarity to their homeland while in London. Southall, in West London, has a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.