Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its variety of housing but also for its communities. Students have numerous options available. Both student housing and private lodgings offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and discover the closest public transport routes.
During my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London boasts a superb transportation system, encompassing the tube, buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, even extending to zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which resulted in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their home country’s presence in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area full of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.