Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some insights. London is a vibrant city, notable not just for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their feet. Both student accommodations and private housing include options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their potential homes online, complete with details on facilities and access to public transport.
During my house-hunting journey, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones could be as high as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is packed with major attractions, which can lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I ended up attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to establish in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The closeness of necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite a task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home country’s atmosphere in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community, home to Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.