Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve accumulated various observations in this timeframe. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its numerous housing choices but also by the rich array of communities that inhabit it. Students benefit from an abundance of options. Both university accommodations and private housing feature selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential housing online, including details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, my goal was to lease a room in Central London for easy access to key sites, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling straightforward movement and travel across zones. I was particularly focused on minimizing travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit fares can escalate to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground coverage, connecting to areas outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these trains differ based on the distance traveled and the fare rules of each operator. The significant tourist attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion allowed us to share accommodation, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common retail chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural diversity, presenting a rich mosaic of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students desire the comfort of their home countries within the city. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music lifestyle. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the vibrant community neighborhoods available.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. In your search for accommodation in London, celebrate the diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city offers.