Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve picked up a few insights. London is dynamic, with a variety of living arrangements and communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring prospective accommodations online, reviewing amenities, and accessing public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. Personally, I wished to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is replete with major attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, greatly reducing our rent burden. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural diversity, providing a wide range of neighbourhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is packed with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These illustrate examples of community-focused neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to stay in London will depend on your personal interests and requirements. To secure a new residence in London, embrace its varied accommodation choices, explore cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.