Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student residences and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can set one back as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a goal that is more challenging to fulfill with private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian community featuring Indian dining establishments, supermarkets, and traditional clothing shops. 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 Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as mere examples of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.