Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, I have accumulated several insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily coordinate viewings for flats, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, check available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near main attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates city exploration and travel between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare regulations of each train company. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to high living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varying backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to live in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.