Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is dynamic, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its communities. Students have numerous choices readily available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential lodgings online, encompassing amenities and public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. I aimed to minimize commuting costs as travel between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services span areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London presents major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that’s often harder to find in private properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural diversity, presenting varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples represent just a few of the community neighborhoods available.
The most suitable areas to live in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.