Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I have acquired some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its wide array of housing choices but also for its rich communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily set up apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, check for available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and the fare structures of various train companies. Central London hosts major attractions, which drives up living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, substantially reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural landscape, showcasing various neighborhoods. Many international students aim to find a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on individual preferences and requirements. When embarking on a housing search in London, embrace the broad array of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.