Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained a significant amount of experience. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its communities. Students have a plethora of choices at their disposal. Options for student housing and private rentals include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I set out to rent a room in Central London to be close to major sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes getting around and traveling between zones simple. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted for walking short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have reduced the costs for university travels. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The costs of living near Central London’s major attractions are high. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a pairing which is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for elements of their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. 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 few examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal regions for living in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.