Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve acquired several observations. This city is vibrant, not only due to its variety of living arrangements but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a multitude of options in the vicinity. Both student accommodations and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while international students have the opportunity to utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network—comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies getting around and traveling between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can amount to £5.25 each day, opting to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped reduce costs for university travels. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare guidelines of each train operator. The high demand of Central London’s major attractions contributes to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend made our rent considerably more manageable. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a blend often harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of having essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural richness, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of living selections, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.