Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a relatively short period, I’ve gathered some insights. London teems with life, not only because of its varied housing choices but also due to its vibrant communities. Students have plenty of nearby options. Both communal housing and private rentals provide amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, as well as shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse future housing online, assess facilities, and locate local public transport routes.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay close to main landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of it all. London boasts a remarkable transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating smooth navigation and travel across zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can reach as much as £5.25 a day. I opted to stroll short distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. With major attractions in Central London, living expenses can be steep. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery shops was vital for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, presenting an array of neighbourhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated locale abundant with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas for accommodation in London truly depend on your personal interests and requirements. To discover your new home in London, embrace the array and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and exhilaration of this extraordinary city.