Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, I’ve acquired several insights during this period. London is a vibrant city, offering not only a range of housing options but also a mix of communities. Students have a wealth of possibilities available. Both purpose-built student housing and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange to view apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, showcasing amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to major sights, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to decrease travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have lessened the cost of commuting to the university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground coverage, serving areas outside the city center. Inter-zone travel fares on these modes depend on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London stem from its significant attractions. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to split a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I preferred accommodations that catered to students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a demographic mix less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to vital retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies is beneficial for time management, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be difficult. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for familiar cultural elements from their homelands within London. Southall, situated in West London, has a prominent South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent just a fraction of the community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, take advantage of the variety and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.