Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not be an extensive duration, I’ve gained a wealth of experience. London is a dynamic city, not just for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have a myriad of choices available to them. Both campus accommodations and private rentals present a range of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can seamlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to transport links.
During my housing hunt, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segregated into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options with oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail amenities extend beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures enacted by train operators. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its significant attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community complete with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.