Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting an array of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them, including student residences and private rentals with features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can seamlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to assess prospective homes online, check available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between the zones. To economize on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground circuit, reaching areas outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes vary by distance and the pricing framework of each train operator. The expenses associated with living in Central London’s prime locations can be high. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly decreased our rental expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be complex. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek an environment reminiscent of their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian population with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for new living arrangements in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.