Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have acquired several insights within this period. London is a dynamic city, presenting an array of housing options and lively communities. Students have a multitude of choices available. Student accommodations and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, as well as house shares. Local students can readily organize viewings for apartments, whereas websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, showcasing the amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my pursuit of housing, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depending on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. The costs of inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London significantly influence the high cost of living. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Having grocery stores within reach was important to me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are complemented by economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural fabric, providing a range of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, positioned in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the community diversity available.
The optimal places to reside in London depend greatly on personal preferences and necessities. When on the hunt for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.