Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London stands as a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing options but also because of its multicultural society. Students have a plethora of choices at their disposal. Both student residences and private lodgings offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London in order to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies moving and traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares could be as high as £5.25 per day. I opted for walking shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, connecting to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on the distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The high living costs in central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue connections to their native cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave featuring countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London are contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.