Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although my time here isn’t extensive, I’ve gained a substantial amount of insight. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with an abundance of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in exploring potential homes online, showcasing amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to ensure closeness to major landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. Instead of opting for a bus or tube, I decided to walk shorter distances. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London houses significant attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, resulting in notable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds of a similar age bracket, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Main supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The proximity to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for associations with their home countries in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian populace with a plethora of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, showcases numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.