Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, my learning has been extensive. London stands out as a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide array of housing alternatives but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students are presented with countless choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house share arrangements. Domestic students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective housing online, assess the available amenities, and pinpoint the nearest public transport access.
During my quest for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city encompasses six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could incur charges of up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London are attributed to its key attractions. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being located near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to important stores like supermarkets and pharmacies expedites errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, presenting a range of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their native cultures while in London. Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge upon individual interests and needs. To discover new accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and depth of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.