Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, not only for its multitude of housing choices but also for its animated communities. Students have a wealth of options at their disposal. Both university housing and private rentals offer a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared as well as private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation around the city and movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ according to distance and each train operating company’s pricing structure. Central London features prominent attractions, resulting in high living costs. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, so we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a demographic harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their native country. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, presents a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the richness of its housing alternatives, explore cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.