Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although it may not appear lengthy, I have gathered some valuable perspectives during this duration. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, review available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones effortless. Personally, I wished to lower travel expenses as inter-zonal travel costs can soar to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, reaching regions outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare schedule of each train provider. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend during university helped to substantially decrease rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, showcasing a rich mosaic of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown nestled in the heart of London’s West End is a vibrant district filled with an array of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are only a few examples of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When embarking on your journey to find a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.