Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve acquired some perspectives during my stay here. London is an energetic city, not only for its array of housing options but also for the multitude of communities that call it home. Students have a variety of selections right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, including their amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, 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 an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 each day. 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 to zones outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to meet individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages, which might have been difficult to achieve with 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 essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area providing an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on a search for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing alternatives, explore cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.