Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this isn’t an extended timeframe, I have picked up numerous insights. London is a bustling metropolis, appealing not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students find a multitude of choices right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private residences offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential living arrangements online, examine available features, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
During my hunt for a place to live, my objective was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize commuting expenses since traveling between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 a day. Instead of using a bus or tube for short distances, I opted to walk. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made university trips more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each rail operator. Living in Central London comes with hefty living costs due to its main attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds sharing a similar age group, which is less prevalent in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. The ethnic communities of London form a key part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a taste of their home culture in this city. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the vibrant West End of London, is a bustling area filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and liveliness of this extraordinary city.