Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While that isn’t significant in terms of time, I’ve gathered a few insights along the way. London is a dynamic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also its lively communities. Students enjoy a multitude of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing present various alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their future living spaces online, alongside the amenities available and distance to public transport.
While I was on the hunt for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near major sites, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London offers an impressive transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, options with the oyster card have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train operating provider. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to exceedingly high living costs. Thankfully, I was able to attend university with a friend, and we chose to co-rent a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds of a similar age, a blend that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is not an easy task. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, situated in West London, features a significant South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the West End of London, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of neighborhood communities.
The most suitable places to stay in London are influenced by your personal tastes and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and take pleasure in the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.