Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing choices and varied communities. Students have an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future lodgings online, review the facilities, and locate the nearest public transit links.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London houses significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, greatly reducing our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural identity, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiarity with their homeland within London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London will depend on your personal interests and requirements. When embarking on your search for accommodation in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill this extraordinary city has to offer.