Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not appear extensive, the experiences I’ve gathered are noteworthy. London is a dynamic metropolis, providing a plethora of housing choices and lively communities. Students can select from a wide range of options, including student residences and private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can arrange apartment viewings effortlessly, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students investigate prospective accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I targeted a room rental in Central London to stay near significant attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six radiating zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures seamless navigation and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can rise to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London, with prices varying according to distance and the particular fare structure of each train company. The major attractions in central London drive up living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most favorable neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and needs. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.