Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this period is not extensive, I have gleaned some valuable insights during my time here. London is an energetic city, not only with its variety of living arrangements but also its lively communities. Students have abundant options available to them. Both student residences and private housing feature an array of choices, including ensuite and suite-style bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central areas. London’s transportation system is remarkable, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I preferred to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lessened our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that might have been more challenging to find in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are available, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. A number of international students in London look for the comfort of their native countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, positioned in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, take in the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.