Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may appear brief, I have gathered several observations throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a variety of housing options but also a multitude of diverse communities. Students are presented with a wide range of choices. Both student residences and private lodgings feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective housing online, verify available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, my objective was to secure a room in Central London, providing proximity to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an outstanding transportation system, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To minimize travel expenses, as cross-zone fares can reach as high as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk for short distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend further than the Underground network into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s pricing structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, considerably lowering our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to discover in private accommodations.
Being close to supermarkets was of significant importance to me. Popular grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Finding the right neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for traces of their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London will vary according to individual preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, take advantage of the diversity and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.