Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residence in London. Though it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to access potential accommodations online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card schemes have made university transportation more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond the central area. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to cohabit in a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often challenging to find in private housing.
Personally, residing close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time during errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s diverse communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek an atmosphere reminiscent of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London are contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the accessibility and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.