Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like an extended period, it has offered me valuable insights. London is a bustling city, renowned not only for its diverse housing choices but also for the various communities it hosts. Students have a wide array of options at their fingertips. From student residences to private rentals, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore their potential living spaces online, along with the amenities available and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room to rent in Central London to stay near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an efficient transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes moving around and traveling between zones uncomplicated. I particularly aimed to minimize commuting expenses since inter-zonal transport can incur costs of up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare policy. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to the elevated cost of living. Luckily, by attending university alongside a friend, we agreed to share a room, which greatly alleviated rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op coexist with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby conserves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. A lot of international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are just a few examples of community-rich areas.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and preferences. When on the hunt for a new place in London, relish the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and experience the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.