Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained substantial insights in this period. London is a dynamic city, not just due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and privately rented spaces feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students preview their potential homes online, review available amenities, and assess nearby public transportation links.
In my pursuit of housing, I sought a room to rent in Central London to be near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a top-notch transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since getting between zones can incur costs as high as £5.25 each day. Instead of using a bus or tube for short distances, I opted to walk. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made getting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones situated outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolling in university alongside a friend, so we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a mix that is harder to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural diversity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their native country. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area showcasing numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.