Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t long, I’ve gathered some valuable observations. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its extensive range of housing possibilities but also because of the diverse communities that exist here. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private accommodations offer a variety of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in remotely exploring their potential living spaces, the services offered, and their closeness to public transport.
My quest for accommodation focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London features an outstanding transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate straightforward navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The prominent tourist attractions in central London elevate living costs. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lessened our rent burdens. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend more challenging to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery shops. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their native cultures. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling neighborhood filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal regions to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.