Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered a few observations. London is a bustling metropolis known for its myriad housing options and its melting pot of cultures. Students have a wealth of opportunities available to them. Whether opting for student housing or private rentals, one can find amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio living spaces, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to check out possible lodgings online, including features and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain near main attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes getting around and traveling between zones simple. I sought to minimize commuting expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I decided to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped make commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground routes, connecting to areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services differ according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions of Central London contribute to a higher cost of living, but attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students of various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s less common in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students desire a connection to their homelands while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples are merely a glimpse of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.