Contributed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it’s a brief period, I’ve gained some insights. London is lively, not only because of its varied housing options but also due to its communities. Students have a wide array of choices available. Both student residences and private housing feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential accommodations online, showcasing amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be 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 excellent public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Fortunately, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with classmates from various backgrounds and of similar age, a mix that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on shopping trips, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural identity, offering a wealth of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for elements of their home cultures in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community filled with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and boutiques for traditional clothing. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is replete with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of the community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.