Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and varied communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Student accommodations and private rentals both extend choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential rentals online, evaluate amenities, and consider access to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London for easy access to prominent sights, vibrant social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being at the core. London’s outstanding transit network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel across zones. To reduce travel expenses, as trips between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structures set by each operating train company. Central London boasts major attractions, leading to high living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, considerably lowering our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private residencies.
Being close to grocery stores was significant for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s multicultural communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home country. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the community neighborhoods available.
The most suitable locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.