Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months living in London. While this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its wide array of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a myriad of alternatives. Both university-managed residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite-style bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, including their amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought out a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk for shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London, with its major attractions, commands high living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on chores, particularly during exam time.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections with their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and wealth of accommodation opportunities, venture into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.