Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not be a long duration, it’s certainly been ample time to discover much about the city. London is extremely lively, not only due to its variety of housing options but also because of the rich tapestry of communities that inhabit it. Students here have an array of accommodation choices available to them. Whether you’re in search of student-only housing or private rentals, the possibilities include ensuite rooms, private studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, while international students can browse listings online via platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, examining amenities and nearby transport links before making a choice.
During my quest for a living space, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. I wanted to remain close to the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 at the core of the city. Thanks to London’s exceptional public transport system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—navigating the city is fairly straightforward. However, traveling between zones can add up, potentially costing as much as £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. Nonetheless, discounted Oyster card options help make commuting cheaper for students. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond Central London, with fares depending on distance and operator.
Living in a central location comes with the downside of elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I managed to share rent with a friend, making it significantly more manageable. We chose intercollegiate student accommodation in hopes of meeting other students from various backgrounds—a blend that’s less common when renting private flats.
Proximity to grocery shops was another key consideration for me. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also easily found. Residing near essential stores and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be quite a task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, resulting in vibrant and diverse areas throughout the city. Many international students look for neighborhoods that evoke familiarity. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring a multitude of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is noted for its strong Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the West End, serves as a lively hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of the multitude of community-focused areas that London has to offer.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London varies based on your personal preferences and interests. As you embark on your search for a new home, embrace the city’s diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and savor all that this remarkable city has in store.