Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months living in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained some insights during this period. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also thanks to its lively communities. Students have a wide array of choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide different options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, with the amenities available and their distance from public transport highlighted.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s superb transportation infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation between zones. I was keen to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys might cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas in outer London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London stem from its notable attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s trickier to find in private rentals.
Being situated near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, located 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-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. While on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.