Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my ninth month residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I have absorbed a considerable amount. London is an energetic metropolis that provides an array of lodging options and multifaceted communities. Students are presented with multiple alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private residences featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible homes online, complete with amenities and distance to public transport.
During my hunt for a living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two positioned at the core. London prides itself on a superb transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the city center, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The major attractions in Central London significantly drive up the cost of living. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, which is often trickier to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, providing a lusciously diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and pulsating music culture. Chinatown, located at the core of London’s West End, presents a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The prime areas to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.