Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gathered some valuable experiences during this time. London is an energetic city, not only because of its vast selection of housing options but also its varied communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing present a range of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, including available amenities and access to public transportation.
In my search for a place to reside, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London possesses an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. Central London, home to significant attractions, results in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, greatly lowering our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to encounter peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is tougher to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a taste of familiarity from their home country in London. Southall, in West London, has a significant South Asian population with Indian dining spots, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London rely on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.