Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked the completion of nine months residing in London. Though this may not be extensive, my experiences have been quite insightful. London is a vibrant city, noted not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a wide array of choices. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, check features, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I desired to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Walking short distances became my preferred choice over buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commute costs for university trips. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services differ according to distance and the ticket pricing structure of each train operator. Central London houses numerous key attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had a friend from university, and we opted to share a room, substantially cutting down on rent. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s ethnic groups are a vital part of its cultural identity, contributing to a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home nation. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in central London’s West End buzzes with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. As you look for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.