Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this may not signify a major milestone, it has provided ample opportunity to accumulate meaningful experiences. London stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted city, characterized not only by its diverse population but also by the wide range of housing options available. Students enjoy a plethora of choices, from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, private studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can depend on online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for properties, review amenities, and evaluate transport connections.
During my search for housing, my priority was securing a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social venues, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six travel zones, with zones 1 and 2 representing the heart of the city. The city’s superb public transport network — which encompasses the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains — facilitates easy navigation. Nevertheless, transportation costs can accumulate swiftly; daily inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. That being said, discounted Oyster card options have considerably reduced commuting expenses to university. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail service outer zones, with fare differences based on distance and the pricing set by train operators.
Residing in Central London involves a significant financial commitment, but I was lucky enough to share a room with a friend, allowing us both to make considerable savings on rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets — a challenge typically faced in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another crucial consideration. Major supermarket brands such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide substantial savings. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is particularly advantageous during hectic exam periods when time is of the essence.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s cultural richness is embodied in its many vibrant communities. Numerous international students prefer areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, located in the West End, presents a lively setting filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples merely scratch the surface of London’s community-centered neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal living situation in London hinges on personal preferences and interests. As you embark on the search for a new home, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish all the remarkable experiences this city has to offer.