Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Even though it’s a brief period, I’ve gained some insights. London is an energetic city, presenting a multitude of accommodation options and dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of choices available, including student housing and private rentals with features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future accommodations online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transportation connections.
During my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transport can be as high as £5.25 per day, opting to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have contributed to lower commuting costs for university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of various train operating companies. Central London features significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, 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 lively area with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for staying in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.