Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic city, notable for its wide range of housing choices and its eclectic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while services such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to search for suitable housing online, examine facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transit.
In my quest for suitable living arrangements, I specifically sought a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a top-notch transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I intended to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, connecting zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policies of each train company. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to its major attractions. Thankfully, studying at university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that’s harder to encounter in privately rented properties.
For me, living close to grocery outlets was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s multicultural communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek comfort in familiarities from their home nations. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When you embark on your home search in London, relish the diversity and variety of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the ease and vibrancy of this exceptional city.