Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I have gathered several insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its assortment of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
During my search for a place, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each rail company. The high living costs associated with Central London’s prime attractions are significant. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and a similar age range, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural essence, creating diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their native countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.