Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although this is not an extensive period, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic city that presents a wide array of housing alternatives and vibrant communities. Students have countless options available to them. Both academic accommodations and private housing offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, revealing amenities and proximity to public transport links.
In my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for easy movement and travel between zones. To keep travel expenses down, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London’s main attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university with a companion permitted us to share a room, significantly lowering rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is more challenging to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London accommodates a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.