Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained extensive insights. London stands as a dynamic metropolis, presenting an array of living arrangements and lively communities. Students have many options, from on-campus housing to private residences, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international scholars may utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore housing online, assess amenities, and identify public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation throughout the city and commuting between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone trips can amount to £5.25 daily, thus I opted to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card schemes have lowered commuting costs for university attendance. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. Major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and the same age demographic, which would be more challenging via private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students aspire to find a sense of familiarity with their native culture in London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, boutiques, and cultural festivities. These serve as examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on your personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.