Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered some experiences. London is an ever-evolving city, presenting a vast array of housing choices and lively communities. Students can explore countless options. Both university-provided housing and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, dormitories and private quarters, studio units, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse prospective accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a living space, I intended to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social gathering spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones representing the most central areas. London boasts a superb transportation network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation throughout the city and between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made trips to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel across these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during finals.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a range of vibrant neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and bustling music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant district teeming with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.