Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting an array of housing choices and varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing include facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, check available features, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in central London to remain close to key sites, social spaces, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a robust transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach £5.25 daily, so I decided to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examinations.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a significant South Asian demographic featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is notable for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.