Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed a nine-month stint living in London. Although it’s not a lengthy time frame, I have acquired several observations throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis that presents a broad spectrum of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of alternatives available, such as student residences and private housing that includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio rentals, and house shares. Local students can promptly arrange for apartment viewings, while international students may utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible homes online, evaluate available facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodations, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding public transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies travel and movement across zones. To lower travel costs, since inter-zone trips can be as much as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, connecting areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a scenario less frequent in private residences.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as grocery outlets and pharmacies reduces the time spent on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The ethnic communities present in the city play a crucial role in its cultural richness, creating a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for cultural familiarity during their stay in London. Southall, located in West London, features a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, retail shops, and cultural celebrations. These represent just a fraction of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new living space in London, fully embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.