Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may be brief, I have gathered some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of housing alternatives but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse their prospective living spaces online, evaluate the facilities, and gauge their closeness to public transportation.

In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. London boasts a commendable transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to traverse and commute between zones. I wished to minimize travel expenses since crossing between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. Central London hosts major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, substantially lowering our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to encounter students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.

Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, supplemented by budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.

Selecting a neighbourhood presents its challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, creating diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for connections to their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the West End of London, is filled with various Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a few representations of community areas.

The ideal living zones in London rely on your personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vitality of this extraordinary city.

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