Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration isn’t particularly lengthy, I have gathered several insights. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students enjoy a plethora of choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport routes.
In my quest for a living space, I desired a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London hosts several major attractions, contributing to higher living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, considerably reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is less common in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. In your search for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its accommodation alternatives, investigate cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.