Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not appear extensive, I have acquired significant insights. London is an energetic city, not only for its variety of housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have ample choices available right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and privately rented spaces present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living arrangement, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside the central London area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance traveled and each train company’s fare structure. The costs of living in Central London are heightened by its major attractions. Thankfully, I pursued university alongside a friend, and together we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves significant time on errands, especially during busy exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities of London are key to its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a touch of familiarity with their native countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of the community-oriented neighborhoods available.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and necessities. When hunting for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.