Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic city, showcasing not just a variety of housing alternatives but also its rich array of communities. Students have access to multiple options. Both student residences and private lodgings feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, whereas online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing remotely, check available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London, aiming to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an outstanding transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling straightforward movement and travel among zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal commuting can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I preferred walking short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.