By Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a significant milestone, it’s been sufficient for me to gather a few observations. London is a remarkably dynamic city, not just because of its diverse housing options, but also due to the vibrant communities that reside here. Students have an abundance of choices when it comes to accommodation—whether it’s student halls or private leases, there’s a wide variety including ensuite rooms, private studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule in-person visits, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to explore listings online, review amenities, and evaluate transport connections.
During my search for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the main sights, social venues, and of course, the Imperial College campus. The city is structured into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 encompassing the central locations. Thanks to the city’s superb public transportation system—including the Underground, buses, and trains—navigating is fairly easy. Regardless, I sought to reduce my travel expenses, as commuting between zones can set you back as much as £5.25 each day. I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the Tube or bus. Nonetheless, discounted Oyster card options have made trips to university much more budget-friendly. Beyond the Tube, services like the London Overground and National Rail stretch even further, reaching areas outside the central zones, with fares depending on distance and provider.
Residing in Central London comes with a significant cost, but I was lucky to be studying alongside a friend. We chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation as I was eager to meet fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that’s a bit more elusive in private rentals.
Another essential factor for me was living near grocery stores. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundant, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being close to essential shops and pharmacies has proven to be a real time-saver, particularly during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be tricky. London’s multicultural communities are a huge part of what makes the city unique. Many international students prefer areas that resemble a little slice of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End brims with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few examples of the city’s rich cultural neighborhoods.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual needs and preferences. When hunting for your new home here, embrace the diversity, explore various neighborhoods, and relish everything this remarkable city has to offer.