Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this might seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant city, known not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing from afar, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport routes.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commuting can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network into zones that lie outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel differ depending on the distance and the fare system of each train provider. The high living costs associated with major attractions in central London are notable. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which could have been more challenging with private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London is a tough decision. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighbourhoods. Many international students seek a sense of their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling hub full of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London are contingent upon individual preferences and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of accommodation opportunities, explore cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.