Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While the duration seems brief, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this period. London is an energetic city, characterized not just by its extensive variety of housing options but also its rich blend of communities. Students have numerous alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer a selection of ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, along with details about amenities and proximity to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I wished to minimize my travel costs since commuting between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances as opposed to using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by the abundance of major attractions. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that is oftentimes difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having nearby essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students long for the familiarity of their native countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a pulsating area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable metropolis.