Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may be a brief period, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant city, appealing not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in viewing prospective homes online, including facilities and closeness to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I preferred a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to move around and travel between zones. I aimed to limit travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is packed with major attractions, resulting in high living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets available include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, providing diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall in West London showcases a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, features a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are representative examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.