Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not be an extensive timeframe, I have gained valuable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a variety of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available, including student residences and private rentals featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living arrangements online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding public transportation, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones effortless. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 per day, I opted to walk short distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside Central London. Prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing framework of each rail company. The higher living costs in Central London can be attributed to its notable attractions. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly decreased our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private listings.
Living close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite difficult. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a multitude of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity from their native lands. Southall, found in West London, features a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, boasts a well-known Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for new accommodations in London, take in the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.