Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences despite it being a relatively short period. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a variety of housing options but also a rich tapestry of communities. Students enjoy numerous choices right at their fingertips. Student accommodations and private housing present options such as ensuite bathrooms, suite-style living, shared rooms, individual rooms, studios, and collective rentals. Domestic students can easily arrange for apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to remotely explore potential residences, assess amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near major tourist spots, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The transportation network in London is exceptional, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy navigation across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail serve areas that extend beyond the Underground, reaching zones further from central London. Fares for travel across zones on these services depend on the distance travelled and the pricing structure of each train company. The costs of living near Central London’s main attractions are notably steep. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds within the same age demographic—a blend not easily found in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-efficient, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities within London form an essential part of its cultural landscape, providing neighborhoods that reflect this diversity. Numerous international students often seek familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area rich in Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just several instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the diverse and abundant housing options available, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.