Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this isn’t a long duration, I’ve gathered a few experiences along the way. London is an energetic city, offering not only a vast selection of housing choices but also its rich array of communities. Students have many options available to them. Both university-managed housing and private residences feature various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can readily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and gauge distance to public transport.
During my hunt for lodging, I was focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key tourist spots, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London presents a fantastic public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. Personally, I intended to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal commuting can climb to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have greatly reduced university commuting costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare model of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, considerably lessening our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which is often harder to achieve in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on chores, particularly during the exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural diversity, creating a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their homeland in London. Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian population and features Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave packed with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, embrace the diversity and variety of its housing offerings, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.