Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration is not particularly long, I have gained several observations. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not just by various housing types but also by its multicultural communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both university housing and private residences offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can quickly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, including details about amenities and distance to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to travel between zones. I focused on minimizing travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options like the Oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond Central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each rail company. The high cost of living in Central London is largely due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s ethnic groups are central to its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.