Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this time. London is an energetic city, fueled not only by its array of housing alternatives but also its varied communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, along with the amenities and distance to public transport.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to travel and navigate through the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services access regions outside of the Underground system, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these routes depend on distance and each train operating company’s pricing structure. Major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly decreased our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, as it offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity from their home nations within London. 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 renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London are dictated by personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, celebrate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.