Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of living in London. While this period may not seem lengthy, I’ve picked up quite a bit. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students enjoy an abundance of choices right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to check potential accommodations online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport links.
When looking for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s public transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university trips. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, stretching to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel vary with distance and the fare policies of each train company. The high costs of living in Central London are due to its popular attractions. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age range, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while there are budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.