Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it’s a brief period, I’ve gained some insights. London is an energetic city, celebrated not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for its communities. Students find numerous options available right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharings. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, check facilities, and locate public transit connections.
In my hunt for a residence, I desired 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 zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have lowered commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The costs of living in Central London near major attractions are high. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods. Most international students prefer to find familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown located in the core of London’s West End offers a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.