Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just a few days ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though this duration is comparatively brief, I’ve accumulated some valuable observations throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, offering a plethora of accommodation options and home to diverse communities. Students have a myriad of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature various options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, check available amenities, and identify the closest public transport options.
In my search for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers a superb public transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk for short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university travel. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare regulations of each train operator. Central London attracts many visitors, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and around the same age, a mix that would be harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in the city, embrace the variety of accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.