Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long time, I’ve gained some perspective. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a myriad of housing options and dynamic neighborhoods. Students enjoy a plethora of alternatives, comprising student residences and private accommodations with amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, considering facilities and accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest to find suitable accommodation, I targeted a room rental in Central London to remain near key sights, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university trips more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London’s prime attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cost-effective alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s diverse communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek elements of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely some examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing opportunities, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.