Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although this is not an extended period, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its ample housing choices but also for its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both university accommodations and private housing provide alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transportation options.
During my quest for living arrangements, I sought a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone journeys can be as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services connect regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and fare structure of each train operator. Central London houses numerous major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, yielding substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a range of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home country’s cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling atmosphere filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When embarking on your hunt for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.