Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a lengthy time, it has been sufficient to gain some important insights. London is an energetic city that presents an array of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have a multitude of selections available to them, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to investigate potential homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enables seamless navigation and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London, with fares differing by distance and train company pricing models. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly lowering our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a difficult task. The city’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural richness, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of the cultures from their home countries in London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.