Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive timeframe, I have gathered various observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized by not only its wide-ranging housing options but also its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Student residences and private accommodations offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio living spaces, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, including available amenities and transit accessibility.
During my hunt for living arrangements, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is sectioned into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes commuting and traveling between zones straightforward. To economize on transport expenses, since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made traveling to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the distinct fare structure of each train company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while at university helped us significantly lower our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and age groups, a combination that’s tougher to come by in private rentals.
Being close 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. Proximity to necessary establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, notably during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities are crucial to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to reside in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into cultural quarters, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.