Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have garnered valuable experiences during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, providing an extensive range of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available, with both student accommodations and private rentals offering features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, including the amenities available and their distances from public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an exceptional public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. I wanted to lower travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The numerous attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I embarked on my university journey alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which resulted in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as grocery shops and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. 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 bustling with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.