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 time, I have gained significant insights. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its plethora of housing options but also because of its varied communities. Students have numerous facilities available right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, complete with amenities and locations relative to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London for accessibility to prominent attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and commuting across zones. I aimed to minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 per day. I decided to walk short distances rather than using the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university easier on the budget. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I was more inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a range of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When exploring new housing in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.