Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, not just for its variety of housing arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students find numerous choices readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing provide an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in browsing potential housing online, assessing amenities, and locating nearby public transport links.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high cost of living near Central London’s major attractions can be challenging. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating interactions with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination harder to discover in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities in London form a key part of its cultural landscape, presenting diverse areas. Many international students seek connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the bustling West End is a lively spot featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a few community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for your new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore its cultural enclaves, and immerse yourself in the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.