Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not too long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While it may appear brief, I’ve gathered several experiences during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its range of housing options but also by its varied communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student residences and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate potential accommodations online, featuring facilities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers a superb transport network, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as cross-zonal commutes can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare system. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix more challenging to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery shops was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-saving when running errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity from their home nations. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in this city, embrace the wealth and diversity of housing opportunities, investigate cultural hubs, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.