Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I commemorated nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive timeframe, it has allowed me to glean several significant insights. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, not only in terms of its lively communities but also regarding housing options. Students here have an extensive range of possibilities available to them, from student accommodations to private rentals, incorporating everything from ensuite bedrooms and private studios to shared apartments and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize in-person viewings, while international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore listings, evaluate amenities, and examine transport links online.
During my hunt for accommodation, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near prominent attractions, popular social venues, and, crucially, Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 encompassing the central regions. The city boasts an exceptional transport system—including the underground (Tube), buses, and trains—making travel relatively easy. However, traveling between zones can become expensive, sometimes amounting to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. Nonetheless, student discounts on Oyster cards facilitate more economical commuting. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond Central London, with fares varying by distance and operator.
Residing in Central London comes with considerable costs; however, I was lucky to have a friend attending the same university. We chose to share a room, which notably lowered our rent expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—an aspect that can be more challenging to encounter when renting privately.
Another crucial aspect for me was proximity to grocery stores. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily accessible. Being close to essential shops and pharmacies turned out to be incredibly convenient, especially during hectic exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighborhood stands out as one of the most challenging choices when relocating to London. The city’s vibrant cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic enclaves. A lot of international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its lively South Asian community, featuring an extensive array of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Similarly, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling center of Chinese culinary and cultural offerings. These exemplify just a handful of the numerous culturally rich neighborhoods London presents.
Ultimately, the optimal location to reside in London is contingent upon your personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its contemporary conveniences, embracing the vibrancy and diversity of London will render your quest for a new home an exhilarating journey.