Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I’ve accumulated several observations. London is a dynamic city, presenting a vast range of housing options and vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of alternatives available to them, including student accommodations and private housing featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is partitioned into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for seamless navigation and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commuting less costly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London, with ticket prices differing based on distance and train operator fare structures. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly lessened our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private residences.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam phases.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural richness, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall in West London showcases a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End is a bustling neighborhood filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for new accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.