Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is an energetic city, not only due to its variety of housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students enjoy a multitude of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students have access to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective accommodations online, assess available amenities, and locate nearby public transport options.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and individual train company fare policies. The high living costs around Central London’s key attractions can be challenging. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as a means to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on shopping, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural richness, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. A number of international students search for familiar vibes from their home countries within London. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End of London is a vibrant locale featuring a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a place to stay in London, embrace the city’s varied housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.