Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months living in London. Although it may not be an extended period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, presenting a multitude of housing choices and lively communities. Students encounter a plethora of options right at their doorstep, with both student residences and private lodging offering features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, featuring amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my pursuit of housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s commendable transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy movement and transit between zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options made commuting to university more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending into areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing framework of each train operator. The cost of living in Central London is significantly high due to its main attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet individuals from varied backgrounds and the same age range, a combination more difficult to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside cheaper alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vast array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with numerous Chinese establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your interests and requirements. While on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.