Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive duration, I have gathered some valuable experiences during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, fueled not only by its plethora of housing options but also by its rich tapestry of communities. Students enjoy a range of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, detailing available amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London has an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could set me back as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, leading us to share a room which greatly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages—a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are present, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural diversity, providing a rich array of different neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their homeland echoes in London. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively musical culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London rely on personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for new accommodations in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.