Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gathered considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis renowned for its varied housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have a multitude of choices, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, including en-suite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and identify public transport connections.
While looking for a place to stay, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric regions, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend services to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zonal travel differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are driven by its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more difficult in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s varied ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a wealth of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for residing in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new dwelling, embrace the varied housing options London offers, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.