Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have gained valuable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their prospective lodgings online, encompassing available amenities and accessibility to public transport.
As I searched for living arrangements, my goal was to find 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, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and pricing structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, leading to higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds of a similar age, which might have been trickier through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Residing near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is indeed a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a range of neighborhoods. A significant number of international students in London prefer to find familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To secure a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.