Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it might not appear extensive, I have acquired several insights during this period. London is a dynamic city, notable not just for its varied accommodation choices but also for its lively communities. Students enjoy numerous options readily available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide various arrangements, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential properties online, review amenities, and determine their proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can be up to £5.25 per day. I decided to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. The living expenses in Central London are high due to major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time for errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their home culture in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.