Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable experience. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an array of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, examine facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can reach up to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travels on these services differ based on distance and the fare systems of each train operator. Central London features numerous major attractions, which contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, resulting in a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students aim to find a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a handful of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on your preferences and requirements. While seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and multitude of accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.