Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its rich communities. Students have a multitude of choices available right at their doorsteps. Both student residences and private lodgings offer facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective housing online, check amenities, and locate nearby public transport services.
During my hunt for accommodation, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. To minimize travel expenses, as cross-zone journeys can amount to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass areas that extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that lie outside central London. The fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate depending on the distance traveled and the fare systems of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its numerous major attractions. Luckily, I commenced my university journey alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, allowing us to significantly reduce our rental costs. I preferred student accommodations that accommodate multiple colleges as they provided opportunities to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite daunting. The diverse ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, resulting in eclectic neighborhoods. Many international students look for a semblance of their homeland within the city. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian demographic with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated 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 Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London fundamentally depend on personal interests and necessities. When on the lookout for a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.