Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Although this time frame is relatively short, I have acquired several insights throughout this experience. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a wide range of housing options but also a plethora of diverse communities. Students have a multitude of choices available. Both student residences and private apartments feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can arrange apartment viewings with ease, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, verify available amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
While looking for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key 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 has an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London’s prominent attractions lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is tougher to achieve in private rentals.
Being 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. Living near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek comfort in familiarity with their origins. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of the city’s housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.