Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it is not an extensive timeframe, I have gained several insights. London is lively, not just for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential living spaces online, browse the facilities available, and assess the closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I looked for a room to rent in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and commuting between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I decided to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London presents significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, enrolling at university with a friend enabled us to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more difficult to discover in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, providing varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home country while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the variety and wealth of accommodation choices, investigate cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.