Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting numerous housing alternatives and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, encompassing features and accessibility to public transport.
During my hunt for a place to settle, my goal was to find a room to rent in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has an outstanding public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to navigate and travel across zones. I wanted to keep travel expenses in check as inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the fare structures of various train operators. Central London features significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, considerably reducing our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on daily errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a touch of familiarity from their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.