Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like an extended period, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present multiple options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential accommodations online, review the amenities, and evaluate their location relative to public transport.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which supports effortless movement and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to decrease travel expenses as inter-zonal transit could amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have drastically minimized university commuting costs. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network and reach zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is dotted with major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, resulting in significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough decision. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, contains a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.