Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy period, it has imparted many lessons. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its assortment of living arrangements but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, including facilities and closeness to public transit.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room to rent in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone travel may reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services service areas extending beyond the Underground system, reaching zones that are not part of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare structure established by each train provider. The costs associated with living in Central London are elevated due to the abundance of major attractions. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of their home culture while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and flourishing music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for accommodation in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.