Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve gained a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting numerous housing opportunities and multicultural communities. Students can select from a wide range of options. Both student residences and private accommodations offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, whereas international students can explore platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
During my quest for a place to stay, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is partitioned into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transit network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traversing the city and moving between zones straightforward. To limit travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can accumulate to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. However, oyster card alternatives have lowered the cost of university commutes. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing policy of each train operator. Central London tends to be pricey due to its attractions, but sharing accommodation with a friend significantly reduced my rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, which is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are available, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s various ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, offering distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students pursue a sense of familiarity from their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London boasts a prominent Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area full of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. In your hunt for new accommodation in London, celebrate the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.