Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though this isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its range of housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students have a myriad of choices available. Both student residences and private accommodations present features such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house sharing. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, my objective was to rent a room 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 and second zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 a day, so I opted to walk short distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of different train companies. The high costs of living in Central London’s prime attractions are notable. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and the same age group, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home culture in London. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian population, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the West End features countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural pockets, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.