Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. Although this duration may not be extensive, I’ve gained valuable perspectives along the way. London is a vibrant city, not only for its range of housing options but also for the variety of communities that call it home. Students have a multitude of choices at their disposal. Both student accommodation and private rentals present a selection of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange for apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, including the amenities provided and their closeness to public transport.
When searching for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social locales, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and travel between the zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably reduced our rental costs. I preferred to opt for intercollegiate student accommodations, with the hope of meeting peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a blend that’s often harder to locate in private housing.
For me, the location of grocery stores was vital. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves time during errands, especially around exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in which to live can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural diversity, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring a wide variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of communal neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on individual interests and needs. When on the lookout for a new home in London, celebrate the variety and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.