Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a long time, I’ve gathered various observations. London is a vibrant city, not merely for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both university residences and private lodgings offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review the facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for living arrangements, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to be near major landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and navigation between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can be as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living expenses in Central London are a result of its major attractions. Thankfully, I went to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s often rarer in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. A number of international students search for the comforts of their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When you embark on your search for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and embrace the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.