Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not only for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students find an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students have the convenience of easily scheduling apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, including the facilities provided and their accessibility to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I desired a room for rent in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating smooth navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have significantly lowered university travel costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance and fare structure of each train operator. Central London attracts numerous visitors, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mixture that’s harder to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home nations. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and bustling music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a vibrant hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.