Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long time, I have acquired various insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an extensive range of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can explore potential housing online through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, including details about available amenities and access to public transit.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social locations, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, which comprises the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enables smooth travel and movement between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Consequently, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas beyond the Underground network, reaching out to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on the distance and the fare system of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us significantly lower our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a demographic more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a connection to their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. As you search for a new home in London, relish the diversity and wealth of its housing selections, investigate cultural hubs, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.