Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insight. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its varied housing opportunities but also for its communities. Students are presented with an array of choices. Both student residences and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective living arrangements online, examine facilities, and locate the nearest public transit connections.
As I sought a place to call home, my goal was to find a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day, opting instead to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services are variable based on distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. Central London is home to prominent attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, greatly reducing our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and around the same age, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, coupled with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being located near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity regarding their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community boasting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London largely depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.