Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months residing in London, I may not have been here long, but I’ve gathered some insights. The city thrives with vibrancy, showcased not only in its wide-ranging accommodation options but also its varied communities. Students find numerous choices readily available. Both student residences and private rentals present options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review facilities, and access public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, with the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across and between zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I decided to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have alleviated university commute costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The wealth of major attractions in Central London leads to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I attended the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age range, a combination that is rarer in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural diversity, resulting in an array of neighborhoods. Many international students search for aspects of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian population with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave featuring Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace its diverse and rich accommodation choices, investigate cultural regions, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.