Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t a lengthy period, I have acquired some perspectives. London is an energetic city, famous not only for its assortment of housing alternatives but also for its varied communities. Students find themselves with a multitude of options. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social gatherings, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to move around and traverse between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university trips cheaper. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, stretching into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on daily tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mix of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their homeland in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a large South Asian population with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.