Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have acquired several insights. London is a dynamic city, providing a wide array of housing choices and communities. Students are presented with numerous options right at their fingertips, ranging from student housing to private accommodations, which include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while those from abroad can access platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective lodgings online, examine amenities, and discover public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room to rent in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport system—encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. I intended to mitigate travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk brief distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered university travel costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the core of London. Charges for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of individual train companies. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Luckily, attending university with a companion permitted us to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, showcases an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a few of the community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.