Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have derived several lessons. London is an energetic city, characterized not just by its wide range of housing options but also by its eclectic communities. There are countless choices available for students. Student housing and private residences offer different configurations, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, whereas tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city has an outstanding transportation network encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for straightforward navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have enhanced the affordability of university commutes. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the scope of the Underground network, reaching zones outside Central London. The pricing for these services varies according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that can be challenging to find in private housing.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its own challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a critical role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a taste of home within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling quarter with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.