Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both university accommodation and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, whereas international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential residences online, examine amenities, and identify nearby public transportation links.
During my search for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these lines fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its major attractions. Thankfully, I enrolled at the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which resulted in considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are a fundamental component of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End serves as a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing alternatives, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.