Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it’s not an extensive timeframe, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives available. Both university accommodations and private housing provide a range of selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their prospective homes online, complete with details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to cut travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of opting for a bus or tube, I decided to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the respective fare structure of each train company. The central region of London features major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cheaper alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a critical aspect of its cultural identity, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home culture in London. Southall, in West London, features a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London rely on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.