Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive period, I have gained significant insights. London is an energetic city, renowned not just for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a myriad of options right at their doorstep. Both university housing and private rentals present a plethora of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, highlighting facilities and location relative to public transport.
During my search for a residence, my aim was to secure a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation among zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare structure of each operating train company. While Central London features major attractions, living expenses can be steep. Thankfully, I attended the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would be more challenging through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples illustrate just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the richness and diversity of its housing selections, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.