Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its varied housing choices but also due to its bustling communities. Students have myriad options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students have the convenience of arranging apartment viewings effortlessly, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts a remarkable transport system, including the tube, buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have significantly reduced university commuting costs. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are largely attributed to its main attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a colorful area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new living space in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and energy this extraordinary city has to offer.