Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant city, celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals present amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential homes online, showcasing features and accessibility to public transport.
While searching for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 each day. Instead of using a bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these modes of transport depend on distance and the pricing structure of each rail operator. The central part of London offers significant attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which allowed us to substantially cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something harder to come by in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time saver, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London are key to its cultural essence, providing a variety of neighborhoods. A majority of international students search for a touch of home in this metropolis. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean neighborhood and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify some community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to stay in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To discover your new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore its cultural sectors, and relish in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.