Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I achieved the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I have acquired several insights throughout this period. London is an energetic city, not just for its vast array of housing options but also for its multicultural populations. Students have an abundance of possibilities at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to check out potential housing online, explore available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, aids in seamless movement and travel between these zones. To economize on travel expenses, considering inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute significantly to elevated living costs. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to considerably lower rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. A number of international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery establishments, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal places to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.