Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing choices but also for its energetic communities. Students have multiple options available right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, assess amenities, and find public transport links.
In my quest for a place to live, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be near major attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to move around and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transport can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced university travel costs. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services provide coverage to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching into zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly alleviating rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are an integral part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in London’s West End is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.