Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it may seem brief, I’ve acquired a variety of insights. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a wide array of housing alternatives and communities. Students have numerous options available, from student accommodations to private rentals, which include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home-based students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, examine amenities, and discover public transport connections.
In my quest for living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can amount to as much as £5.25 daily, prompting me to opt for walking short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys differ based on distance and each train company’s fare framework. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to encounter peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural identity, offering varied neighbourhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few examples of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.