Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London, I’ve gathered valuable experiences, even though it isn’t an extensive duration. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not only for its myriad accommodation choices but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals provide a variety of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, examine the amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city features six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which aids in seamless travel and navigation between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Tube network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London offers significant attractions, resulting in high living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is trickier to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having convenience stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural fabric, creating a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek to find connections with their homelands. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable neighborhoods to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diverse range and richness of its housing alternatives, discover cultural enclaves, and appreciate the conveniences and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.