Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is lively, not only due to its varied housing choices but also its communities. Students enjoy a multitude of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprised of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter trips rather than use a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university less expensive. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare schedule. Central London houses significant attractions, contributing to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a pivotal role in its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place to live in London, embrace the city’s diverse and abundant accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.