Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired several insights along the way. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its vast range of housing options but also because of its varied communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide an assortment of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, along with the amenities offered and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones quite seamless. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have notably lowered travel costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I leaned toward intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that can be more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a difficult choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for familiarity with their home cultures. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These examples highlight just a few of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend largely on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.