Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. While it may not be an extensive timeframe, I’ve acquired various observations. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its range of housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both university residences and private accommodations offer selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options virtually, review available amenities, and evaluate how close they are to public transport.
During my housing hunt, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transit system comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains that make navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I personally intended to minimize travel expenses, as commuting across zones can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London, filled with major attractions, results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination often harder to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery outlets was essential for me. Commonly found supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort from familiar aspects of their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.