Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although it might seem like a short duration, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives during this period. London is a dynamic city, notable for its wide array of housing options and its rich mix of communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can seamlessly coordinate apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodging options online, complete with information on amenities and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain 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 public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and commuting between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transport can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare mechanisms of each train operator. High living costs are associated with the central London attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, presenting an array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for cultural familiarity in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, found in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.