Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not be a significant milestone, the time has been sufficient to discover a great deal about life in this city. London is an exceptionally vibrant metropolis, not only due to its plethora of housing options but also because of the eclectic communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of choices at their disposal, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up in-person viewings, while international students can browse listings online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, assessing amenities and transport links from a distance.
During my search for a place to stay, I set my sights on finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social hubs, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the most central areas. Thanks to the city’s superb public transportation system — which includes the Tube, buses, and trains — navigating around is generally straightforward. However, traveling between zones can accumulate costs, potentially reaching £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. Nevertheless, discounted Oyster card options for students significantly lower commuting expenses. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach even further, although fares differ based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London carries a substantial cost, but I was lucky to have a friend who was also at university with me. We opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student housing due to my desire to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups — something that tends to be more challenging in private rentals.
Another significant consideration for me was proximity to grocery stores. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are ubiquitous, while budget-conscious options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. The convenience of having essential shops and pharmacies nearby has been a substantial time saver, particularly during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s vast cultural diversity is evident in its numerous ethnic enclaves. Many international students gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a lively South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a few of the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and interests. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace its diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and take full advantage of everything this remarkable city presents.