Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve had the opportunity to discover various aspects of life here. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized both by its extensive selection of living arrangements and its multicultural communities. Students can find an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including details on amenities and their proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near significant attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transit system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones effortless. I aimed to reduce my travel costs since moving between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare regulations of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, which contributes to elevated living costs. Luckily, I shared university attendance with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned toward intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of varied neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new living space in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural districts, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.