Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its array of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both academic housing and private rentals offer variations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring prospective lodgings online, evaluating amenities, and verifying closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London’s outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, connecting to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London stem from its main attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a wealth of unique neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London search for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely illustrate a few community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.