Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may seem short, I’ve obtained several perspectives throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not just regarding its varied housing possibilities but also its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options close by. Both student residences and private housing present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can swiftly arrange viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and discover the closest public transport options.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into regions outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. While Central London has remarkable attractions, living expenses are notoriously high. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, substantially decreasing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, a combination that’s harder to find in private residences.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time when handling errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural makeup, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These examples merely scratch the surface of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and breadth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.