Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and active communities. There are many options available to students. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore possible accommodations online, detailing facilities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near major sites, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric rings, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys could cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground lines, reaching areas outside the central zones. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ according to the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train operator. The high living expenses in Central London stem from the major attractions in the area. Thankfully, going to university with a friend permitted us to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, something that would have been more difficult through private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time for errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home, embrace the multitude and depth of London’s housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.