Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve acquired several perspectives during this time. London is an energetic city, not solely for its diverse housing options but also for its rich variety of communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Whether within student housing or private accommodations, options include ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential lodgings online, verify available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superior transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. I aimed to minimize my travel costs, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have enhanced the affordability of university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in high living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, leading us to opt for a shared room, which greatly decreased our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to connect with students from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies allows for efficient errand-running, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of diverse areas. A large number of international students in London seek the comfort of their home nations’ influences here. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community accompanied by Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Positioned in the epicenter of London’s West End, Chinatown offers a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.