Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have gathered several insights throughout my experience here. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its vast selection of housing options but also for the varied communities that reside within it. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, showcasing amenities and proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have made travelling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The city’s key attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their homelands in London. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian community, with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area replete with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are based on personal preferences and needs. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of the city’s housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.