Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options at their fingertips. Both designated student housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and accommodations with house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view possible housing options online, check for amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
During my housing search, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The transportation infrastructure of London—comprised of the underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates effortless navigation and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily, therefore I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize bus or tube services. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside the core of London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. Central London harbors significant attractions, which results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to discover in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines time spent on tasks, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. The ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek out communities that reflect their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community filled with Indian dining spots, grocery stores, and shops selling traditional clothing. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on individual interests and requirements. When pursuing a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.