Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained much insight during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its active communities. Students enjoy an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals present a range of alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse their prospective residences online, review amenities, and identify the closest public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to find a room to rent in Central London to be within reach of significant attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I intended to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel fees can reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card selections have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Living costs in Central London are notably high due to its main attractions. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being located near grocery stores was imperative for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities constitute a crucial component of its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London appreciate the comfort of their native culture. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling neighborhood featuring a multitude of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community hubs.
The most suitable areas for living in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.