Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not be a lengthy time, I have gained several perspectives. London is an energetic city, recognized for its varied housing prospects and dynamic communities. Students possess a wide array of choices. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, review facilities, and evaluate the proximity to public transport.
During my housing search, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating effortless movement and transit between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London, with its key attractions, leads to high living expenses. Fortunately, I was enrolled at the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to come by in private estates.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to indispensable shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, venture into cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.