Authored by Priyal (India), MSc Business Analytics (Online)
Locating postgraduate accommodation in London as an Imperial student can swiftly turn daunting. The city presents a wide range of housing selections, neighborhoods, and price ranges, complicating the task of identifying which elements are genuinely significant.
In my own quest, I discovered that much of the online guidance was generic or outdated. In truth, securing a place in London is fast-paced, competitive, and at times perplexing, particularly when attempting to juggle budget, safety, commute, and lifestyle choices all at once.
Students from Imperial confront the additional hurdle of deciding between private student housing and independent renting, each providing unique living experiences.
Here’s my journey in searching for postgraduate accommodation in London and what I learned is truly essential when locating your new residence.
Grasping your options
At the outset, it’s vital to comprehend the types of postgraduate accommodation that are available. Numerous students look into private housing, with Imperial offering assistance through its Student Accommodation Office and platforms like Imperial Home Solutions, which present verified private listings, streamlining the process in a bustling market.
Students also evaluate platforms such as Zoopla and Amber, and contemplate purpose-built student housing like Chapter and iQ. Each selection varies in terms of cost, flexibility, and sense of community, so the decision hinges on your priorities and lifestyle.
Considerations when searching for postgraduate accommodation
The most difficult aspect of finding accommodation was weighing various factors at once. I needed to evaluate rent, transportation options, safety, and everyday convenience—such as proximity to grocery stores, gyms, and other amenities—since these minor details significantly affect day-to-day living.
I was unprepared for how rapidly quality options would be taken. I identified places within my budget and near campus, only to find they were snatched up within days, making the search feel urgent and competitive.
There were moments when I nearly opted for a place but second-guessed my decision after further contemplation. For example, I considered an apartment in Ealing near Imperial’s undergraduate residences, in a contemporary building, close to shops like Sainsbury’s, and in front of a train station. However, the long commute would have been costlier and more time-consuming without a student travel card, so I chose not to proceed.
I also looked into options like Wood Lane Studios on Imperial’s White City Campus, adjacent to Westfield shopping centre, but ultimately selected Chapter Portobello for its blend of convenience and accessibility. I’m situated near grocery stores and have access to a complimentary shuttle bus to Imperial campuses. However, this choice included compromises. While the location is advantageous for commuting to campus, reaching central London necessitates a 15-minute walk to the nearest Underground station, which can feel less secure, especially when alone in the evenings. Yet, being close to Portobello Market adds an engaging social element, presenting both benefits and challenges.
What truly matters when selecting a place to live in London
Throughout this journey, I recognized that cost is a key consideration but should not be the only factor, as lower prices do not always equate to better value and higher prices do not ensure safety or comfort.
Location and transportation are significant—being near campus is convenient, but dependable transport links are frequently more crucial, offering flexibility and alleviating commuting burdens, especially in winter when it becomes dark early and traversing longer distances can be difficult.
Safety is of utmost importance