Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, this time frame has allowed me to gain considerable insights into life within this dynamic city. London is not only teeming with culture and diversity but also provides a plethora of housing choices for students. Whether you’re in search of student accommodation or private rentals, there’s something available for everyone — from ensuite rooms and private studios to shared apartments and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can browse options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which also include information on amenities and transportation links.
When I was on the hunt for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I wanted to remain close to significant attractions, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric transport zones, with zones 1 and 2 encompassing the central regions. With London’s outstanding public transportation system — including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains — navigating the city is fairly straightforward. To minimize travel expenses (inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 a day), I often opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nonetheless, student discounts on Oyster cards make commuting more economical. Beyond the Tube, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach even further, linking outer zones to the city center, with fares varying based on distance and provider.
Residing in Central London can be costly, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student housing because I was eager to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups — an aspect that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Another crucial consideration was the proximity to grocery stores. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. London’s rich cultural diversity is evident in its numerous ethnic communities. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, boasting a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of the West End, is a bustling nucleus of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These serve as just a few examples of the many cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the most suitable location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. As you embark on your search for a new home, immerse yourself in the city’s diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish everything this remarkable city has to offer.