Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve picked up a few insights. London is lively, not solely because of its varied housing alternatives but also due to its communities. Students have numerous options right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in viewing potential homes online, assessing amenities, and identifying public transport connections.
In my pursuit of accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate depending on distance and each train operator’s pricing structure. Central London houses significant attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and considerably cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and a similar age group, a blend that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural diversity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from home while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End features a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas in London are contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and liveliness of this extraordinary city.