Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have acquired various observations along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its multitude of living arrangements but also by its rich array of communities. Students have a wide range of options available. Both student housing and private accommodations come with choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and room shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, complete with offered amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features a superb transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 per day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably less expensive. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, greatly alleviating rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies reduces time spent on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The various ethnic communities in London are central to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiar cultural elements from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. While looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.