Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, distinguished not only by its various housing choices but also by its vibrant communities. Students find an abundance of options readily available. Student accommodations and private living arrangements feature alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
During my search for living arrangements, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social activities, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 per day. I opted for walking short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones that lie outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I joined university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which led to significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines shopping trips, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting an array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home country’s culture. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian population, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a handful of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal residential areas in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of its housing offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.