Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. Although this timeframe isn’t extensive, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a bustling metropolis, known not only for its varied housing selections but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private residences present an array of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living situations online, including the amenities provided and closeness to public transit.
While on the hunt for a place to call home, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies traveling within the city and between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter journeys rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, allowing us to save considerably on rent. My preference was for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time during errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse localities. Numerous international students seek a semblance of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area teeming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-savvy neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual interests and necessities. As you embark on your quest for a new home, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of London’s housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the conveniences and thrills this exceptional city offers.