Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of living in London. While this time frame may not be extensive, it has proven to be quite enlightening. London is a bustling city, not only because of its extensive selection of housing choices, but also owing to its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential places to live online, evaluate available amenities, and assess their distance from public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigation and inter-zone travel straightforward. I aimed to reduce travel costs as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have notably lowered commuting costs for university journeys. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly easing our rent burden. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, hoping to encounter students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that would be harder to achieve in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, features a significant South Asian community with various Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, placed in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area boasting numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on personal interests and needs. In your search for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diverse and plentiful accommodation choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement this remarkable city has to offer.