Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though this duration may seem brief, I have gained some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its rich communities. Students have a myriad of options available right at their doorsteps. Student accommodations and private rentals include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transportation links.
During my hunt for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to get around and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. Instead of using a bus or tube, I opted for short walks. Nevertheless, oyster card options made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones located outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ in price depending on distance and each train company’s specific fare system. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds within the same age range, a mix that is tougher to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly enhance its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a selection of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for staying in London will depend on your personal interests and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.