Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gained significant insights. This dynamic metropolis is lively, not only for its varied housing options but also for its energetic neighborhoods. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse prospective housing online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my pursuit of a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close 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’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across the city and between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal fares could amount to £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas outside the Underground network as well. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London can be attributed to its major attractions. Thankfully, I joined a friend at university, and sharing a room helped us significantly cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, which might have been more challenging with private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich blend of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a familiar connection to their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the midst of London’s West End, boasts countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for your next home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city offers.