Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its array of housing choices but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, review features, and discover nearby public transport connections.
During my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies moving around and traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare schedule of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as a way to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination less common in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity reflective of their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London are contingent upon individual tastes and requirements. In your search for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of the city’s housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.