Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though this may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, including their facilities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for a place to live, my goal was to lease a room in Central London for proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can cost up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced the cost of university journeys. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s pricing scheme. Central London is home to major attractions, which contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to necessary establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own difficulties. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing various neighborhoods. Many international students look for a taste of their home culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.