Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a wide range of housing choices and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous options right at their feet. Both student accommodations and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I specifically sought a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement throughout the city and traveling between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I preferred to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped to lower commuting costs for university trips. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground, extending to zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to significantly decrease our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and age groups, a mix that’s trickier to find in private rentals.
It was vital for me to live close to grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The diverse ethnic groups in London contribute significantly to its cultural richness, creating various neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area full of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for accommodation in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new place in London, embrace the diversity and variety of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement that this exceptional city has to offer.