Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve acquired several observations during this timeframe. London is a dynamic metropolis, offering not only a variety of housing types but also thriving communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals come with choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective lodgings online, verify available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for crossing zones, I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for cross-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high cost of living in Central London is augmented by its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, which notably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to interact with students from a range of backgrounds and similar ages, a demographic sometimes less accessible in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London presents its own set of challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music district. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London will vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place to live in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.