Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I achieved the milestone of nine months living in London. While this period may seem brief, I have gained extensive knowledge. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private dwellings provide a range of alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to inspect their potential homes online, outlining facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two represent the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fees for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to principal attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for my needs. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is not an easy task. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are but a handful of examples of community hubs.
The optimal regions to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, accept the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.