Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While nine months might seem brief, I’ve gathered a number of observations during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an extensive range of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing options online, check available facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.
During my housing search, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, including the tube, buses, and trains, ensuring smooth movement and transit between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Thankfully, oyster card options have rendered commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, expanding into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the individual fare structures of each train company. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which notably lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, wishing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and of similar age—a combination that is harder to encounter in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errand-running, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, showcasing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a lively area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent just a few of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to settle in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.