Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although it may seem brief, I’ve gathered some perspectives throughout this duration. London is an energetic metropolis, not only in relation to its varied housing options but also due to its dynamic communities. Students have a myriad of selections available. Both student residences and private housing provide an array of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can seamlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, assess available amenities, and evaluate their nearness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is sectioned into six zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which streamlines easy movement and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home country’s culture. Southall in West London is home to a considerable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is notable for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London are contingent on personal preferences and necessities. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.