Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve acquired various insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only for its wide array of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Numerous options are available for students. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, showcasing facilities and the distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric rings, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travels can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare policies. The major tourist attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped considerably lower the rent. I preferred collegiate accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was imperative for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential stores such as pharmacies and supermarkets saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in shaping its cultural diversity, presenting a wide range of vibrant neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the city’s diversity and wealth of housing selections, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.