Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I wrapped up nine months of residing in London. While that might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to gain some meaningful observations. London is an energetic and varied city, characterized not only by its inhabitants but also by the extensive selection of living arrangements accessible. Students here are fortunate, with options spanning from student residences to private lettings, including ensuite rooms, studio flats, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person property viewings, while international students can browse listings online through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, reviewing amenities and local transport links before making their choices.
During my quest for accommodation, my main goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, lively social areas, and crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is split into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 encompassing the central district. The city boasts a superb public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—making travel fairly straightforward. Nonetheless, daily journeys across zones can cost as much as £5.25, so I opted to walk shorter distances whenever possible to save cash. That being said, travel options like the Oyster card reduce commuting expenses significantly. In addition to the Underground, services like London Overground and National Rail reach the outer zones, with pricing depending on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London certainly carries a steep price. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rental expenses. I decided on intercollegiate student lodging, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a challenge that can arise when renting privately.
Another important factor for me was proximity to grocery stores. Prominent supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent discounts. Having essential shops and pharmacies close by was incredibly handy, particularly during hectic exam periods when every minute counted.
Selecting the right area in London can prove to be tricky. The city’s cultural richness is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each contributing to the dynamic essence of various locales. Many international students pursue areas that offer a sense of belonging. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few of London’s many lively community settings.
In the end, the ideal locality to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and interests. When you’re on the lookout for your new home here, embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and make the most of all that this remarkable city has to offer.