Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gathered several insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, offering an extensive array of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a myriad of options available to them, including student residences and private accommodations featuring choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodging online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport options.
While I was looking for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating the city and moving between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The prevalence of iconic attractions in Central London drives living costs upward. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Regular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural identity, providing a rich blend of varied neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian dining venues, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean populace and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London ultimately hinge on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and abundance of its housing options, uncover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.