Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residency in London. While it may not appear extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its wide range of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of selections at their fingertips. Both student lodgings and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review facilities, and evaluate access to public transit.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for close proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six central zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs near major attractions in Central London can be daunting. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was important for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a semblance of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. To discover new housing in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.