Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration is not significant, I have accumulated some valuable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized by its varied housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student residences and private lodgings present different possibilities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can readily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, inspect amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
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 zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to keep travel costs low as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have facilitated more economical commutes to the university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground’s reach, covering zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, looking to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines task completion, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. London’s diverse communities form a critical part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for a sense of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a considerable South Asian community with a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. While seeking a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.