Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of living in London. Although this may not be a long duration, I have gained several insights over this period. London is a dynamic city, known not only for its wide-ranging housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private housing present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living situations online, examine available facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room within Central London to stay close to major 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 features an outstanding transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to reduce travel expenses, considering inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than using buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London houses major attractions, which results in high living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly lowering our rent expenses. I preferred to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to meet peers from various backgrounds, a combination that would be challenging to find in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was a personal necessity. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex choice. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the familiarity of their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best areas to live in London are contingent on personal interests and needs. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing options, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.