Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, this time has enabled me to acquire valuable perspectives. London is an exceptionally vibrant city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of the lively communities that inhabit it. Students here have an abundance of choices, from student accommodations to private rentals, encompassing ensuite rooms, studio flats, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, whereas international students can browse properties online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which also offer information on amenities and local transport links.
In my housing search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near key attractions, social hubs, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. Thanks to London’s outstanding public transportation network—including the Underground, buses, and trains—navigating the city is relatively straightforward. However, travel expenses can accumulate; inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nonetheless, student discounts on Oyster cards have made commuting to university substantially more economical. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the city centre, with fares varying based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London does come with a substantial cost, but I was lucky enough to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, anticipating the opportunity to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something more challenging to accomplish in private housing.
Another crucial aspect for me was the proximity to grocery stores. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widespread, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Living near essential shops and pharmacies has proven to be extremely convenient, especially during hectic exam periods when time is scarce.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood is one of the most challenging choices when relocating to London. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities. For example, Southall in West London is famed for its vibrant South Asian community, featuring a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of the many culturally diverse neighborhoods scattered throughout the city.
Ultimately, the optimal location for living in London hinges on your individual needs and preferences. As you embark on your search for a new home, embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinctive communities, and take pleasure in everything this remarkable city has to offer.