Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained significant insights. London pulsates with life, presenting a myriad of housing and community options. Students can choose from various accommodations, including student residences, private rentals, ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom for online accommodation browsing, amenities checking, and public transport links.
In my accommodation hunt, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to prominent attractions, vibrant social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two identifying the central areas. London’s transit network, which includes the underground, buses, and trains, ensures easy navigation. I preferred walking short distances to save on transit expenses, as inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily. Options for Oyster cards have made traveling to university more affordable. The London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, with ticket prices that vary depending on distance and train fare schemes. The cost of living in Central London remains high due to its major attractions. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend greatly cut down on rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from varying backgrounds and of similar age, which is often more challenging with private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores minimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London enhance its cultural landscape through diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a slice of familiarity from their homeland. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End provides a host of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These exemplify community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best living areas in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in London, embrace the eclectic diversity and abundance of housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy the city has to offer.