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 seem extensive, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, characterized by not only its varied housing choices but also its spirited communities. Students have various opportunities available. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily set up viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential places to stay online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for housing, I focused on finding a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the core. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling between zones seamless. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zone journeys could accumulate to as much as £5.25 per day. I decided to stroll for shorter distances rather than depending on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a companion enabled us to split a room, greatly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s trickier to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s diverse ethnic groups are vital to its cultural landscape, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.