Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. Though it may not seem like a lengthy time, I’ve acquired valuable perspectives. London is vibrant, offering not only a variety of living arrangements but also a rich mix of communities. Students find themselves with plenty of options. Student housing as well as private rentals include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can efficiently book viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible living spaces online, including features and closeness to public transport.
While searching for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, with the tube, buses, and trains making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk for shorter trips rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones via these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to key attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which helped us save significantly on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural fabric, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home culture. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.