Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this period is not extensive, it has been incredibly enlightening. London is a dynamic city, not only due to its assorted living arrangements but also because of its lively communities. Students have a wealth of options to choose from. Both student residences and private housing provide various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including details about amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay 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 outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to move around and travel between zones. I aimed to cut travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can set one back up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these lines fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London plays host to major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly alleviated rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores in the vicinity was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps to streamline errands, particularly during exam times.
Choosing the right neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are a significant aspect of its cultural tapestry, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their home country’s culture within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples merely scratch the surface of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for your new home in London, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation opportunities, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.