Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gathered some perspectives despite the relatively short duration. The city is vibrant, presenting a wide range of housing options and dynamic communities. Students can choose from various accommodations, including student housing and private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students find it easy to arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and consider their distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. London is sectioned into six zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transportation network, including the underground, buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel across zones. To cut travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have provided a more economical way to commute to the university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare system. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to supermarkets was essential for me. Common chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural richness, creating a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiar surroundings in the city. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is bustling with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation possibilities, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.