Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though it may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained several perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural population. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both university residences and private housing provide selections including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom help international students discover potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance from public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London for easy access to key sights, vibrant areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel between zones. I personally aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London’s Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Tube system, reaching areas outside the central city. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and the specific pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to significant landmarks, which drives up living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which led to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with peers from different backgrounds and my age range, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like grocery shops and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic groups are a key part of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional fashion shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown at the core of London’s West End features countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community areas.
The top neighborhoods for living in London hinge on personal interests and preferences. When exploring housing in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.