Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem short, I have gained considerable insights. London thrives as a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a plethora of housing types but also a rich array of communities. Students find themselves with multiple options to choose from. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, encompassing amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my housing quest, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation network is exceptional, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have rendered uni commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside the central region. Ticket prices for inter-zone journeys on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London commands high rent due to its major sights. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, significantly lowering our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and ages, something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The diverse ethnic communities in London form a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich mixture of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their country of origin within London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian population, replete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the community neighborhoods available.
The optimal places to live in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill this incredible city has to offer.