Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not be a lengthy span, I’ve derived some understanding throughout this duration. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its variety of housing options but also for its lively communities. There are countless choices available for students. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for suitable housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transportation expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a peer enabled us to share a room, which significantly lessened rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps conserve time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.