Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gained considerable knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its range of living arrangements but also for its eclectic communities. Students have numerous choices available. Both student accommodation and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, including the tube, buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone fares can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high living costs around Central London’s major sights are noteworthy. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and the same age bracket, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiar aspects of their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely examples of community neighborhoods.
Determining the best areas to reside in London hinges on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city offers.