Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though nine months might seem short, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, offering not only a variety of housing choices but also a rich mix of communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student residences and private lodgings feature alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can be as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structures of individual train companies. Central London is home to major attractions, which contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, aiming to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something harder to achieve in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to important stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough decision. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-centered neighborhoods.
The finest areas to live in London depend on individual preferences and necessities. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.