Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students find numerous choices in their vicinity. Both student housing and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can simply schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective residences online, complete with details about amenities and closeness to public transport.
As I searched for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, so I would be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across the city and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train service. Central London boasts major attractions, contributing to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as a way to interact with students from various backgrounds within the same age group, a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a lively enclave replete with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.