Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While nine months isn’t an extensive period, I’ve acquired a fair amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its wide range of housing opportunities but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Student housing and private residences provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including features and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, lively spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can add up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Living in Central London comes with significant living expenses due to its major attractions. Luckily, I had a friend attending the same university, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is less prevalent in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural identity, contributing to a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively musical environment. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.