Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although that may not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient for me to gain a few insightful lessons. London is a remarkably vibrant city, not only due to its array of housing alternatives but also thanks to the lively communities that reside here. Students have access to a plethora of housing options right at their fingertips. Whether you seek student accommodations or private rentals, you’ll discover choices such as ensuite rooms, studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transit links.
In my hunt for a living space, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near major landmarks, social hubs, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College London. London is organized into six concentric travel zones, with zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s excellent public transport system—which includes the Underground, buses, and trains—makes getting around quite manageable. However, traveling between zones can be costly, reaching up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, discounted Oyster card options have significantly reduced my commuting expenses to university. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend to regions outside of central London, although fares will differ based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but renting a room with a friend allowed me to considerably lower our costs. We opted for intercollegiate student housing, which enabled us to connect with other students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Another significant factor for me was proximity to grocery stores. Prominent supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retail outlets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s extensive cultural diversity is mirrored in its various ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive atmosphere. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its vibrant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London showcases a lively Afro-Caribbean culture and music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the West End, presents a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few illustrations of London’s culturally rich neighbourhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. As you embark on your search for a new home, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural enclaves, and seize all the remarkable experiences this extraordinary city has to provide.