Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. Although that’s not a considerable duration, I’ve picked up a few insights. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its variety of housing choices but also its communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, featuring details like amenities and proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay close to main attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and travelling across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commuting can be as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, which contributes to high living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to cohabit, which resulted in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age, a community that’s harder to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s cultural mosaic is enriched by its ethnic communities, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students visiting London look for a semblance of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, in the prominent West End of London, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for living in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When seeking new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and variety of housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.