Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained a lot of experience. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its various housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options just around the corner. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and personal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential housing online, complete with details about amenities and public transport connections.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The high living costs in Central London are due to its numerous attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to cohabit, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a goal that would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. The ethnic communities of London play a key role in its cultural identity, contributing to the diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek aspects reminiscent of their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.