Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t a lengthy timeframe, I’ve gathered several observations. London is an energetic city, notable not just for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural population. Students have plenty of alternatives available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house-sharing arrangements. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodgings online, evaluate available facilities, and check proximity to public transport.
During my quest for living arrangements, I sought to lease a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 per day. Instead of taking the bus or tube for brief distances, I chose to walk. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The prominent destinations in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is not straightforward. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures 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 is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London vary based on individual interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.