Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extended period, I’ve gathered some insights. London thrives as a vibrant city, not only due to its varied housing alternatives but also because of its rich tapestry of communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodation and private housing offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and consider accessibility to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. Instead of opting for a bus or tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing strategy of each train operator. The central area of London showcases major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending the university with a friend allowed us to share accommodations, significantly reducing rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their homeland. Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city offers.