Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it may not be an extensive timeframe, I’ve acquired a fair amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a myriad of housing options and various communities. Students are presented with a plethora of choices. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is divided into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 a day. Instead of taking buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rent costs. I was more inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend less common in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery shops was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural fabric, showcasing a wide range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nations while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London are contingent upon personal interests and necessities. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.