Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have acquired several insights during this time. London is a dynamic metropolis, distinguished not only by its varied housing options but also by its lively communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, review amenities, and investigate the vicinity to public transport.
In my endeavor to find a place, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day, so I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is filled with major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I had a university friend with whom I decided to share a room, significantly cutting down on our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private homes.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves invaluable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are central to its cultural richness, providing a wonderful array of neighborhoods. Most international students seek familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, with many Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural areas, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.