Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Though not a lengthy time frame, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a wide range of choices available, with both university residences and private rentals offering facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, showcasing amenities and accessibility to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport system, including the subway (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. To cut down on travel expenses, which may run up to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. The availability of Oyster card choices has rendered university trips more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, with ticket prices varying based on distance and train operator pricing structures. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodations and considerably lower our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to come by in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant selection of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home nations. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End is a lively locale with countless Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the varied accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.