Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residence in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students find numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my search for a place to stay, I aimed for a room to rent in Central London, close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone transit can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted for walking short distances instead of using the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the tube network, covering regions outside central London. Pricing for inter-zone travel on these services depends on distance and individual train companies’ fare policies. Central London has major tourist sites, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share accommodations, significantly slashing our rental expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to engage with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarket chains are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural essence, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students prefer finding a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London has a sizeable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and excitement of this extraordinary city.