Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered some perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, known not just for its wide selection of living arrangements but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student accommodations and privately rented properties provide various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, check available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
During my housing search, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent public transport network, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes movement and inter-zone transit straightforward. Personally, I was keen on lowering travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can go as high as £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside of central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of each train operator. Living costs near Central London’s major venues tend to be steep. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, which considerably lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing, wanting to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s often harder to find in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near important stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their native cultures. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, serves as a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These illustrate just a handful of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London rely heavily on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and enjoy the convenience and excitement this remarkable city has to offer.