Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While it might not seem long, I’ve acquired several insights along the way. London is a vibrant city, not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have abundant choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer an array of selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, along with their amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate the city and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travels considerably cheaper. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into zones outside central London. Fare rates for inter-zone travels with these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is dotted with major attractions, leading to high living expenses. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been harder to achieve in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more cost-effective options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When embarking on your search for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.