Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I have gleaned some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, not just for its array of housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have access to numerous alternatives. Both student accommodations and private housing offer a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, Oyster card options have made university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek out the comforts of their home country. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian cuisine, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling hub filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centered neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.