Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gained a lot of experience during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for the multitude of communities living here. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide different choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential residences online, check available facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenditures, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university cheaper. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The significant attractions of Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, intending to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities represent a vital facet of its cultural panorama, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home nation while in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocers, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, right in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and richness of the city’s housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.