Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve gained several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, providing an extensive array of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, along with their amenities and proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I targeted a room for rent in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. London showcases an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered university commutes’ costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to regions outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high demand for Central London’s main attractions leads to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a companion, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse cultures and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a touch of familiarity from their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic hub filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural gatherings. These represent just a few community neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.