Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a significant duration, I have gained quite a lot of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not only for its varied housing choices but also for its communities. There are numerous options available for students right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide a range of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, featuring amenities and distance to public transportation.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to major landmarks, contributing to higher living costs. Fortunately, I was able to attend university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, with hopes of connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community filled with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of neighborhood communities.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.