Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I have gathered valuable experiences throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, rich not only in its vast selection of housing options but also in its multicultural atmosphere. Students can explore countless alternatives available to them. Student accommodations and private housing offer various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily book apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, investigate available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two constituting the most central areas. London features a superb transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to move around and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses—since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made it easier to commute to the university affordably. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly alleviated rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for my lifestyle. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek comfort and connection to their home culture. Southall, located in West London, is known for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, embrace the broad spectrum and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.