Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not be a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired various insights. London is an energetic city, known not only for its myriad housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings come with amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and home shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, along with the features provided and accessibility to public transportation.
During my quest for housing, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most centralized areas. London features an outstanding public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Ticket prices for these services differ depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to the elevated cost of living. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. The common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-specific neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.