Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long time, I have gathered some experiences along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its broad selection of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student residences and private accommodations provide numerous alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, along with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social gathering places, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates navigating the city and traveling between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can rise to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made student commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The high cost of living around Central London’s prime attractions is noticeable. Thankfully, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which led to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key retailers, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London boasts an Afro-Caribbean community and a vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of communal neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on your personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home, appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation landscape, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.