Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it might not appear lengthy, I’ve accumulated various observations throughout this period. London is an energetic city, not solely for its assorted housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide a range of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, inspect amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my hunt for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel costs since moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, Oyster card options have rendered university commuting more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, allowing for considerable rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination tougher to locate in private properties.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood is daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity from their home country. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London correspond to your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.