Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students enjoy a multitude of choices right at hand. Both student housing and private residences provide an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential accommodations online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London boasts an impressive transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to stroll short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas extending beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we settled on sharing a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination less likely to be found in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich mix of distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a semblance of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music lifestyle. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.