Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Though this may seem like a brief period, I’ve gained several observations. London is a dynamic city, presenting a wide range of housing types and varied communities. Students have many options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential housing online, verify available amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an outstanding public transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with a diverse group of students around my age, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, offering a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.