Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this experience. London is a bustling metropolis, distinguished by its wide range of housing options and its multicultural population. Students are presented with a wealth of choices. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, including available amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transportation network is commendable, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for straightforward travel throughout the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card deals have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distances and the fare policies of individual train operators. Central London, hosting major attractions, tends to have elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to meet peers from various backgrounds and a similar age group, which can be harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies significantly saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their homeland. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with numerous Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a colorful area with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.