Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of living in London. While it might seem like just a short period, I’ve gained valuable insights into life in this vibrant city. London is brimming with a wide array of housing choices and diverse communities that inhabit it. Students here are truly fortunate, as they can select from an assortment of accommodations, including student housing and private rentals, which range from ensuite rooms to shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up in-person viewings, while international students typically depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to scout properties online, evaluate facilities, and determine proximity to public transport routes.
During my housing search, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. Thanks to the city’s superb public transport system—including the Underground, buses, and trains—navigating it is quite straightforward. However, travel expenses can accumulate quickly; daily inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25. To save some cash, I often preferred walking shorter distances instead of taking the tube or bus. Fortunately, student discounts on Oyster cards greatly reduce commuting costs. Furthermore, aside from the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services venture into the outer zones, with fare prices differing based on distance and train operator rates.
Residing in Central London comes with a hefty expense, but I successfully minimized costs by sharing an apartment with a university friend. This not only eased rent but also created a built-in support network. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and age groups—something that tends to be more challenging in private rentals.
A key consideration for me was proximity to grocery stores. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical options. Being close to essential shops and pharmacies saves considerable time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Finding the right neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its various ethnic enclaves, each presenting its unique vibe. Many international students look for areas that reflect their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is famed for its lively South Asian community, with a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London showcases a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and a flourishing music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End offers a bustling selection of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of the many vibrant communities scattered throughout the city.
In the end, the ideal location to call home in London depends on your individual preferences and interests. As you seek your new living space, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural hotspots, and capitalize on all that this magnificent city has to offer.