Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residency in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained quite a bit of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, not only for its array of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, verify available facilities, and locate nearby public transport amenities.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to find a room in Central London to stay close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was in university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, providing a rich tapestry of diverse areas. Many international students in London look for a sense of connection to their homeland. Southall, in West London, features a prominent South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to stay in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.