Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained extensive experiences throughout this period. London thrives with energy, presenting a plethora of living arrangements and dynamic neighborhoods. Students are presented with various alternatives, such as student residences and private housing featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, showcasing amenities and the distance to public transport.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for proximity to key landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for straightforward navigation and travel between zones. To mitigate travel expenses, which can escalate to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. The Oyster card system has made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I joined the university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less commonly found in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The closeness to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses its own challenges. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional fashion shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical culture. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, offers a bustling area with a multitude of Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.