Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, offering not only a plethora of housing options but also an array of multicultural communities. Students have a vast selection available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options digitally, showcasing facilities and their closeness to public transportation.
During my search for suitable housing, my goal was to find a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to traverse and commute across zones. I aimed to minimize commuting expenses, as travel between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk for shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Tube network, connecting you to zones that lie outside the city center. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance traveled and each train company’s fare structure. The costs of living around Central London’s primary attractions can be quite steep. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations to interact with students from different backgrounds and similar age ranges, something that would have been more difficult with private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near supermarkets. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for running errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students in the city look for a connection to their home culture. Southall, located in West London, has a prominent South Asian demographic, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and eclectic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely heavily on your personal interests and requirements. As you search for a new living space in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and depth of its housing choices, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.