Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated my nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem like a long period, I’ve acquired a substantial amount of knowledge during this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its dynamic communities. Students enjoy numerous options right at their doorstep. Both university housing and private rentals present various choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, evaluate the facilities provided, and assess their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and transit between different zones straightforward. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Still, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, connecting to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of individual train operating companies. The high demand for living in Central London drives up living costs significantly. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I leaned toward intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries within the city. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Situated in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London largely depend on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.