Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this is not a long duration, I’ve acquired some knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a plethora of lodging choices and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer various types, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to discover potential accommodations online, including facilities and distances to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to essential sights, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core areas. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services vary according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The principal attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are but a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.