Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration isn’t particularly long, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just regarding its varied housing options but also the communities that call it home. Students have a multitude of alternatives available to them. Both university housing and private rentals offer a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, various oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, stretching into zones beyond central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the pricing system of each train company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university has significantly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and ages—a rarity in private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students in London crave the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill this exceptional city offers.