Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, featuring a broad range of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, verify facilities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to be 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 features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across different zones. I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones could amount to £5.25 a day. To save on transport, I chose to walk short distances rather than use 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 network into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the individual fare structures of each train operating company. The abundance of major attractions in central London leads to increased living costs. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, thereby significantly lowering rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with a diverse range of students of similar ages, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, creating a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with many Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, venture into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.