Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long duration, I’ve acquired some valuable insights. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its wide variety of housing options but also by its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential homes online, including the available amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for a residence, I specifically aimed to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, where zones one and two represent the most central areas. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services differ depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high cost of living around Central London’s popular attractions is notable. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to substantially save on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private residences.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to important shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiar cultural elements from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and needs. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.