Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this is a brief period, I have acquired some perspectives. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its variety of housing alternatives but also by its multicultural communities. Students can find a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in exploring prospective accommodations online, assessing amenities, and discovering local public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is split into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts a commendable transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and traveling across zones. I sought to curb travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London features several major attractions, which contributes to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a combination that is less prevalent in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Widely available supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital places such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural makeup, presenting a vibrant array of unique neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London crave a link to their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with a plethora of Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.