Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration is relatively short, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an array of housing options and lively communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their fingertips. Both on-campus and private residences offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, whereas international students can access platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective lodgings online, checking facilities and evaluating accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and move between zones. Personally, I sought to cut travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of individual train companies. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly lessening our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.