Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its wide range of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a myriad of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective housing options online, including their features and closeness to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to prominent sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London enjoys a superb transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to keep travel expenses low since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground limits, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts significant attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly cutting down our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to engage with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which is less probable in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, especially during exam weeks.
Choosing a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is notable for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.