Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although that duration may seem short, I’ve gathered valuable experiences during this time. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students are presented with a myriad of choices right outside their doors. Both student housing and private rentals feature different options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and isolated rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including the amenities available and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core areas. London possesses a fantastic transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Pricing for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London’s prime attractions are notable. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend less common in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant mix of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community replete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the midst of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, welcome the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and embrace the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.