Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Though it may not seem long, I have gained a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, known for its varied living arrangements as well as its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective housing online, check facilities, and discover nearby public transport options.
In my search for accommodations, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and traverse the zones. I aimed to cut travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on a bus or tube, I chose to walk short distances. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside the central zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes differ based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, contributing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London crave familiarity with their native countries. Southall, in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.