Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gathered considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned for its array of housing choices and vibrant communities. Students find themselves with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private rentals provide a variety of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can seamlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students explore their prospective accommodations online, assess amenities, and locate the closest public transport links.
During my quest for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could reach £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university significantly more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage 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 individual train companies. Living costs in central London can be quite steep due to the abundance of major attractions. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to notable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, intending to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire a connection to their home country. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian presence with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with many Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London hinge on your individual interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.