Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem like an extended period, I’ve gathered several observations throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its diverse housing options but also for the various communities that thrive here. Students are presented with a wide array of choices. Both student housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport links.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and rail services, which simplifies movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize transportation expenses since inter-zone travel could cost up to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I chose to walk shorter trips rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made trips to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground to zones that are outside the central hub. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure established by each train operator. The significant costs of living near Central London’s main attractions are notable. Luckily, I started university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, wishing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity akin to their home nation while in London. Southall in West London, known for its large South Asian population, offers Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, boasts countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend significantly on personal preferences and requirements. In your quest for a home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city has to offer.