Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it may not appear long, I’ve acquired considerable knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting an extensive range of housing opportunities and multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options available, such as student residences and private housing, featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange property viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future accommodations online, detailing amenities and accessibility to public transit.
In my quest for living arrangements, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across the city and inter-zonal travel. To minimize travel expenses—since inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily—I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground into zones outside central London, with fares differing based on distance and each train provider’s pricing structure. The high living costs near Central London’s main attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly cut our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, which would have been more difficult in private properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for elements of familiarity from their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few prime examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.