Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve garnered several observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a broad array of housing alternatives and lively communities. Students have a multitude of selections at their fingertips, such as student residences and private lodgings featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and personal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential housing options online, including their amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my endeavor to secure a place to live, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London offers an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel costs, as journeys between zones can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Residing in Central London comes at a premium due to its attractions, but sharing an apartment with a friend who’s also attending university enabled us to significantly reduce rent. I favored intercollegiate living arrangements to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, something that is more challenging with private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is no easy task. The city’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural richness, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The prime locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and needs. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city has to offer.