Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gathered some perspectives throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing choices but also due to its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both university housing and private lodgings provide different types of arrangements such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to view potential residences online, including amenities and proximity to transportation links.
In my quest for a place to live, I targeted renting a room in Central London to stay close to prime attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as crossing zones might cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each operating train company. Central London, being home to numerous significant attractions, leads to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural mosaic, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a connection to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing alternatives, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.