Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its various living arrangements but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private residences provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, complete with details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to significant sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, comprising the underground, buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation throughout the city. To cut down on travel expenditures, as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 on a daily basis, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services branch out beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fare structures for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The costs of living near Central London’s prominent attractions can be steep. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which led to substantial rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that can be more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines shopping trips, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, fostering a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. The West End’s Chinatown is bustling with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
Optimal living areas in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural niches, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.