Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of choices at their convenience, with both student housing and private rentals featuring amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview potential accommodations online, showcasing facilities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for a living arrangement, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is classified into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating simple navigation and movement between zones. To minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside the central regions. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s pricing system. The high cost of living near Central London’s popular attractions can be daunting, but attending university with a friend helped us share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during busy exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite difficult. London’s multicultural communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their native culture in London. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, with Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is home to a multitude of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and vibrance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.