Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve acquired various insights along the way. London thrives as a bustling metropolis, presenting an array of housing options and lively communities. Students can select from a multitude of choices, including student accommodations and private residences featuring options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can efficiently schedule apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible housing online, showcasing their amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my pursuit of a place to reside, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city organizes itself into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, supports smooth navigation and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal fares, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have helped make university journeys less costly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network into outer zones, with ticket prices differing based on distance and the fare structures of train companies. Although living costs in Central London are elevated due to key attractions, sharing a room with a friend considerably eased our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly convenient, especially during exam times.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London is no easy feat. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural richness, creating a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian population and is home to Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, features a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.