Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, it has afforded me a wealth of insights. London is an ever-evolving city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. Students here enjoy a plethora of housing alternatives at their disposal. Whether you’re in search of student accommodations or private leases, you can discover options ranging from ensuite rooms and studio flats to shared apartments and house shares. Home students can easily arrange in-person visits, while international students may browse options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, examining amenities and transport connections before finalizing their choices.
In my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the key attractions, social scenes, and critically, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the heart of the city. Thanks to a robust transport system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—navigating the city is fairly straightforward. Nonetheless, transportation costs can accumulate; daily travel between zones may reach up to £5.25. To cut expenses, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transit. That being said, discounted Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. In addition to the Underground, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond the city centre, with prices varying based on distance and service provider.
Residing in Central London carries a hefty price, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing as I wanted to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds and ages—something that’s more difficult to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was another essential factor for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide lower-priced groceries. Having essential retail outlets and pharmacies in close proximity has proven to be extremely helpful, particularly during hectic exam seasons when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s wealth of cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic groups. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the centre of the West End, is a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many culturally enriched neighbourhoods scattered throughout London.
Ultimately, the most suitable place to reside in London hinges on your individual needs and interests. As you embark on the search for your new abode, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural quarters, and relish in all that this extraordinary city has to offer.