Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained considerable insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its array of housing alternatives but also for its varied communities. Students have numerous choices available nearby. Both student residences and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, detailing the available amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my search for a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground, reaching zones situated outside central London. The fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare pricing of each train operator. The living costs in Central London’s key attractions are elevated. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to engage with a diverse array of students within the same age range, a demographic mix harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural tapestry, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of connection to their native land. Southall in West London is home to a considerable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. In your quest for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.