Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained various insights during this timeframe. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its wide array of housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature diverse offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including available amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, 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 transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make moving around and traveling between zones simple. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have notably lowered commuting costs for university students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train company. Central London houses prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private properties.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to vital stores such as grocers and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural makeup, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
Identifying the ideal areas to reside in London hinges on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.