Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month mark of my residency in London. While it may not seem like an extensive period, I have gathered some valuable observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its wide array of housing choices but also due to its multicultural essence. Students have a plethora of options available to them. The choices in student housing and private rentals include features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate the city and travel across zones. Personally, I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since moving between zones can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options with an Oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside the central zones. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I had a friend at university, and we resolved to share a room, which led to significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to meet peers from various backgrounds within the same age range, a combination that is more difficult to discover in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples reflect just a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.