Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this period. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have numerous avenues available to them. Both student residences and private living arrangements provide diverse choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can quickly arrange apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a space in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made university commuting more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are a result of its major attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred college student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist as alternatives. Accessibility to important stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during the exam period.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of connection to their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community characterized by Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.