Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gained a substantial amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized by its varied living arrangements and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently set up viewings for apartments, whereas platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, complete with details on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for a home, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to prominent landmarks, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can amount to £5.25 daily, hence I decided to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to my university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside of the Underground’s coverage, extending to zones beyond central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare framework. The prominent attractions in Central London result in high living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and a similar age group, which is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, especially during the exam period.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite daunting. London’s multicultural communities are fundamental to its identity, showcasing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their native country within London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, offers a variety of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of living arrangements, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.