Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I’ve recently marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, noted not just for its varied housing opportunities but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student accommodation and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment tours, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, including features and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travels more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside of the Underground network into the outer zones. The fares for these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prime attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to cohabit, greatly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to find in privately rented properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural mosaic, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nations within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community areas.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for new accommodations in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.