Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the milestone of nine months residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained some insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied living options but also for its multitude of communities. Students have abundant choices right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective living arrangements online, review amenities, and identify the closest public transit connections.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to limit my travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes much more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to many major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that would’ve been more difficult in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery establishments was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international scholars in London seek comfort in familiarity from their home nations. Southall in West London features a sizable South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, buzzes with activity, filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are just a few instances of community areas.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.