Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained several insights during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its thriving communities. Students have an array of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can seamlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to view prospective homes online, check available amenities, and locate the closest public transport links.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, vibrant social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to traverse and move between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the respective train companies. Central London is home to significant attractions, leading to higher living costs. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, markedly reducing our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group—a combination that’s more challenging to find in private residences.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire the familiarity of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend largely on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation opportunities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.