Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a long duration, I’ve gathered a few observations. London is an energetic city, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have many choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
As I looked for a place to stay, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social locations, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. To decrease travel costs, since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground system, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone rides on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in Central London are influenced by its primary attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which significantly lowered rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and comparable age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam time.
Choosing the right neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic groups are essential to its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as only a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When searching for accommodation in London, embrace the variety and richness of its living options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.