Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gathered a few insights during this time. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives available. Both student housing and private rentals provide a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in exploring potential accommodations online, showcasing available amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating the city and commuting between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, options with an oyster card have made university travel more economic. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, substantially cutting down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist as alternatives. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire familiarity with their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the vibrant West End of London, is an animated hub with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for living in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.