Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gleaned various observations during my stay. London is a dynamic city, offering not only a broad range of housing options but also a mix of vibrant communities living here. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both university residences and private flats offer various selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aspired to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city features six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London is renowned for its outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across the city and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize my commuting costs, as traveling between zones can reach £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than opting for a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered commuting costs for university students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each operating train company. The costs of living near major attractions in Central London can be quite steep. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that would have been harder to achieve in private residences.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood to inhabit is a complex decision. London’s ethnic enclaves contribute significantly to its cultural diversity, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their native cultures. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian population and boasts numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When you are on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing alternatives, explore the cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.