Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though this timeframe may not be overly long, I’ve gained a few valuable lessons. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a broad spectrum of housing opportunities and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available, spanning from student residences to private rentals, which include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and independent rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can seamlessly organize apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to research their prospective housing online, featuring available amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to travel and move between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses down, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 a day, so I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London, with fares dependent on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high cost of living in Central London is influenced by its main attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly decreased our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. The ethnic communities in London play a pivotal role in its cultural diversity, creating a rich blend of neighborhoods. Many international students look for aspects reminiscent of their home countries while in London. Southall, in West London, boasts a significant South Asian demographic with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music rhythm. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, forms a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few examples of community-focused areas.
The optimal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When exploring housing options in London, cherish the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.