Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While nine months might not seem extensive, I’ve gathered several insights within that period. London is an energetic city, not just in terms of its varied housing options but also regarding its communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview their potential homes online, assess the amenities available, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse and move between zones. I sought to minimize my travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can lead to costs reaching £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend 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 each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in very high living expenses. Luckily, I had a university friend, and we decided to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I hoped to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a blend that would have been tougher to encounter in private residences.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in presents its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, comprising a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home country’s familiarity within the city. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population and features Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, serves as a lively area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.