Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residency in London. Although it’s a short duration, I’ve gained some insights. London is lively, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students have a multitude of alternatives available at their doorstep. Both student lodgings and private residences present choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, encompassing amenities and transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal transportation can cost up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made traveling to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the fare systems of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, allowing us to save significantly on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodation to engage with peers from various backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination harder to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies alleviates the burden of errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a range of diverse neighbourhoods. Most international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nation while in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, offers Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.