Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recent days marked the completion of my nine-month stint in London. While this may seem brief, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students find themselves with a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Whether in student housing or private rentals, amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares abound. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential homes online, assess amenities, and discover public transport links.
During my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the heart of it all. London boasts a superb public transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, considering that inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend service to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services vary with distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, which drives up living costs. Luckily, I shared a room with a friend at university, leading to considerable rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often less accessible in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was a priority for me. Notable supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies optimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhood choices. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of home from their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. In the center of London’s West End, Chinatown showcases numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London hinge on individual interests and requirements. As you navigate the search for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.