Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have accumulated some valuable observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, celebrated not only for its wide array of housing options but also for its rich mix of communities. Students enjoy a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private housing offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective housing online, highlighting their features and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London has an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing and commuting across zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. Instead of taking buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion enabled us to split a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with a diverse range of students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is often harder to encounter in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Commonly found supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time during errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comforts of their homeland. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian population complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diverse and rich tapestry of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.