Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While this duration is relatively short, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, characterized not only by its range of housing choices but also by its eclectic communities. Students find themselves with a multitude of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer various features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, including their amenities and distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The transport system in London, which comprises the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk short distances instead of opting for a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university less costly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room and significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a feat that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with cheaper options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant array of diverse locales. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, accommodates a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, retailers, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.