Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long duration, I have gathered some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not just for its diverse housing options but also for its varied communities. Students enjoy a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and personal rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, review facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to popular attractions, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Also, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The presence of major attractions in Central London contributes to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodation to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s more difficult to locate in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are woven into its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiarity with their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London has a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the vibrant West End of London is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace its varied accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.