Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy timeframe, I’ve acquired several perspectives. London is a vibrant city, offering a variety of housing choices and a mix of communities. Students have an array of options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer arrangements like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can schedule apartment viewings with ease, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and gauge accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an excellent public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to move around and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and the fare policies of each train operating company. The high living expenses associated with Central London’s key attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities are essential to its cultural identity, showcasing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian populace, featuring Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.