Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its eclectic communities. Students have abundant choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance from public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal transport can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand 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 prominent attractions in Central London significantly elevate living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near basic necessities such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s vibrant ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, creating a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community replete with Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown nestled in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area full of Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.