Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not be a lengthy period, I have gained substantial insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only in terms of its varied living arrangements but also through its communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student housing and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and in the same age range, a combination that is often more elusive in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was important for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; less expensive alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Most international students seek a connection to their home country’s culture in London. Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.