Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some valuable observations. London is a lively metropolis, presenting a broad range of housing options and active communities. Students have a multitude of alternatives at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals include features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, highlighting available amenities and their closeness to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I set out to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensuring easy navigation throughout the city and travel amongst zones. To minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare schedule of each railway company. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is harder to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Picking a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural mosaic, providing a rich array of distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.