Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this period may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, recognized not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for housing, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and commute across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transfers can tally up to £5.25 daily. Instead of utilizing buses or the tube, I chose to walk short distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London boasts significant attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared accommodation, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home nations. Southall in West London features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a lively district filled with multiple Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent only a fraction of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace its diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.