Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s a brief period, I’ve gained considerable insight. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a vast array of housing options and varied communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student housing and private residences offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including facilities and access to public transport.
In my search for a living space, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. Hence, I opted to walk short distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. Oyster card options have decreased travel costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, encompassing zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Major landmarks in Central London result in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly reduce rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age bracket, something less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common grocery chains are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, creating diverse areas. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End showcases Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. As you seek a new home in London, take advantage of its varied accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.