Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve acquired a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a variety of housing choices and lively communities. Students can select from an array of options, including student residences, private lodgings, ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, complete with amenities and transportation links.
During my search for accommodation, my objective was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, composed of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating and traveling across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Oyster card options have also made commuting for university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, serving areas outside Central London, with fares differing based on distance and train company pricing. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion allowed us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with classmates from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its own challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the community neighborhoods available.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.