Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and varied communities. Students have numerous options at their disposal. Both student residences and private lodgings offer an array of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, verify available amenities, and evaluate how close they are to public transport.
During my search for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a remarkable public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. For me, reducing transit expenses was important since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options like the oyster card have made commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. Central London hosts key attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, so we opted to share a room, greatly decreasing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix harder to find in private listings.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, offering a rich mix of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian dining, grocery shops, and traditional dress boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-focused neighbourhoods.
The best areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.