Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve acquired some knowledge throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its wide-ranging housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide an array of selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, check amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling between zones straightforward. I wanted to limit transport expenses as inter-zone travel can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to cover short distances on foot rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, accessing zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operating entity. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to discover in private housing.
Residing near grocery stores was important to me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are an essential component of its cultural landscape, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a vibrant area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just several instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.