Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not be extensive, I’ve gathered valuable experiences along the way. London is an energetic city, presenting a vast range of housing alternatives and dynamic communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private lodgings offer varieties such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse possible housing online, evaluate available amenities, and judge the distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to call home, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominence of Central London’s attractions results in elevated living costs. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores in close proximity was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are vital to its cultural fabric, offering a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, uncover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.