Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained substantial experience. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near major attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as cross-zone travel can amount to as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Also, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, serving locations outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare policy. The high cost of living near Central London’s key sights can be daunting. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat harder to achieve through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, creating a rich array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for ties to their home country while in London. Southall, situated in West London, features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the vibrant West End of London, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London vary based on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of the city’s accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.