Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gathered several observations throughout this time. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its lively communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private housing provide different choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, complete with details about amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating smooth travel between zones. I aimed to minimize transportation costs since traveling between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. Consequently, I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. Central London houses significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was vital for me. The most common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London are a key aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a colorful range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections with their home cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining spots, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary depending on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diverse and rich accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.