Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a lengthy duration, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting an extensive range of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have numerous choices at their fingertips, including student residences and private lodgings with features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and verify accessibility to public transport.
As I sought a living space, my objective was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal trips, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and the pricing model of each train operator. The iconic attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room and significantly lower rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination more challenging to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic enclaves are fundamental to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of diverse communities. Many international students seek a semblance of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of communal neighborhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.