Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although it may appear to be a brief period, I have acquired several insights during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, marked not only by its varied housing choices but also by its dynamic communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both university halls and private rentals offer diverse alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential lodgings online, showcasing the amenities available and their distance from public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent 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 the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel between zones simple. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zonal travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The key attractions in Central London drive up living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to engage with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is a mix harder to find in private rentals.
Being near supermarkets was essential for me. Popular grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, investigate cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.