Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this period may appear brief, I’ve gained various insights during my time here. London is a bustling metropolis, not just for its myriad housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, review amenities, and identify the closest public transportation links.
When looking for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel may cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structures established by each train operating company. While central London provides remarkable attractions, it also incurs high living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. The common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when handling errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, offering a rich mix of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.