Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. Although this may not be a lengthy duration, I have gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students enjoy numerous choices available to them. Options for student and private housing include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Students based in the area can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, verify amenities, and evaluate distances to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb public transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London presents major attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, thereby significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, offering Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for new accommodations in London, embrace the variety and wealth of housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.