Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark residing in London. While this period may not be long, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing possibilities and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options accessible to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodging online, including their amenities and closeness to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I focused on leasing a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation network is outstanding, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and navigation between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London stem from its numerous key attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to split a room, greatly lowering rental costs. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a challenge. London’s ethnic enclaves are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located at the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on your search for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.