Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is dynamic, showcasing a variety of housing choices and communities. Students have an array of options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential lodgings online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport routes.
In my quest for accommodations, I targeted 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’s transport system, which comprises the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enables straightforward navigation and transit between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal travel, I opted to walk shorter distances. The Oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its major attractions. Luckily, I shared a room with a friend at university, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that’s more difficult to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing an array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. As you search for a new home, embrace the variety of accommodation choices London offers, delve into its cultural pockets, and relish the city’s convenience and vibrancy.