Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I’ve gained valuable insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, inclusive of amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for housing, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating convenient navigation and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone trips can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have drastically lowered commuting costs for university travel. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and the fare policies of each railway company. Central London holds many key attractions, which results in elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, so we chose to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I preferred living in intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Residing near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines daily errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural identity, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comforts of their home culture. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic locale with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When looking for new housing in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.