Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine months of residence in London. While nine months might not seem extensive, I have gained considerable insights during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature a range of options such as ensuite and suite facilities, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, check the available amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to ensure proximity to major sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between the zones. I wanted to minimize my commuting expenses since traveling between zones could amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Central London is home to prominent attractions, which contributes to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, leading us to share a room, which offered substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional boutique stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown situated in the heart of London’s West End is a vibrant district filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are dictated by your interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.