Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month mark of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered some insights. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of options right at their fingertips. Student housing and private residences present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, complete with amenities and transport connections.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Consequently, I opted for walking shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for cross-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to key attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations for the chance to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities greatly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End is a bustling zone filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for new accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.