Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has certainly been sufficient for me to gain valuable insights into life in this dynamic city. London is not only abundant in culture and diversity but also provides an impressive variety of housing options for students. Whether you seek student accommodations or private rentals, there are numerous possibilities—ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, whereas international students can browse options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, checking out facilities and nearby transport links from a distance.
During my search for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s major landmarks, social hotspots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College London. London is structured into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 at the center of the city. Thanks to the city’s superb public transport network—including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—navigating around is relatively straightforward. However, commuting between zones can accumulate costs, reaching up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. That said, discounted Oyster cards have significantly reduced commuting expenses to university. In addition to the Tube, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend to areas beyond central London, with prices varying according to distance and the train provider.
Residing in Central London comes with high expenses, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which greatly helped in reducing our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and of a similar age—a common challenge in private rentals.
Another essential factor for me was being near grocery stores. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies was particularly advantageous during hectic exam periods when time was at a premium.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s rich cultural tapestry is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities. Many international students search for areas that resonate with a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the West End, presents a bustling array of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of the many cultural enclaves London has to offer.
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual needs and preferences. As you embark on your quest for a new home, immerse yourself in the city’s diversity, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and relish everything this remarkable city has to provide.