Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residence in London. While that may not sound extensive, I have absorbed a considerable amount. London is a vibrant city, not only for its varying housing choices but also for its communities. Students find themselves with numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals present possibilities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in browsing their prospective homes online, assessing amenities, and locating the closest public transit links.
During my housing search, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an excellent transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses down since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to high living costs. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, creating significant rental savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and aged groups, which would have been trickier with private lodgings.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. A lot of international students look for a touch of their home country while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, boasts numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and exhilaration of this extraordinary city.