Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this period may be short, I have gained several insights from my experience. London is an energetic city, offering not only a variety of housing options but also hosting a multitude of communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodation and private rentals come with amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up viewings for apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, evaluate features, and consider their distance from public transport.
While looking for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to lower my travel expenses, as moving between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options with oyster cards have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground system into zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on the distance covered and the fare systems of each train operator. Central London, being the hub of major attractions, comes with steep living expenses. Thankfully, I attended the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly cut down on our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are just a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When pursuing a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.