Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. Though this duration may appear brief, I’ve accumulated various insights during this period. London is an energetic city, known not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student residences and privately rented accommodations include options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom support international students in exploring their potential housing online, reviewing amenities, and evaluating access to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an impressive transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach as much as £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in central London stem from its prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which led to considerable rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student housing, anticipating connections with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Accessibility to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with an array of Chinese eateries, boutiques, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-driven neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.