Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
As of late, I have completed nine months living in London. Although this period may be brief, I have gained several insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its myriad of housing choices but also for its multicultural populations. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to examine their potential living spaces online, complete with information on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travels can be as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk for shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more pocket-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground network, extending into areas outside the central zone. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly helped in minimizing rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varying backgrounds and of similar age, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was important. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. London’s various ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of diverse localities. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely illustrate a fraction of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When looking for new housing in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish in the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.