Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently celebrated nine months of residing in London, I have gathered a few observations. This city is vibrant, offering not just a variety of housing options but also a rich tapestry of communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature various options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential rentals online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near popular sites, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where the first two zones are the most central. London’s transportation system is exceptional, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains that make navigating between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to lower my travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 a day. I opted to walk for shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary by distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The soaring living costs in central London reflect its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
For me, living close to grocery stores was essential. Key supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, creating a diverse range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling area with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.