Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of living in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, offering not just a variety of housing options but also a multitude of communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodging options include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, review facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I sought to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of taking a bus or tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodations, significantly lowering the rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a demographic mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.