Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration is not extensive, I have gained some insights. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its varied lodging options but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private 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 future housing online, showcasing facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for living arrangements, my goal was a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social sites, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating the city and traveling across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options significantly reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside the core of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train operating company. The costs of living in Central London are elevated due to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves significant time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic groups are a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students search for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking new housing in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.