Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s not an extended period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city that presents various housing alternatives and lively communities. Students can find an abundance of options right at their fingertips, with both student accommodations and private lodgings offering choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and discover public transport links.
During my search for a place to stay, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal transfers can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have provided more economical commutes to the university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The costs of living in central London are elevated due to its prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and vibrancy of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.