Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights during this time. London is an energetic city, not only because of its varied housing options but also due to its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible housing online, including the facilities available and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room in Central London to stay near major sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London is a hub for major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we resolved to share a room, which led to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a diversity that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall, in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.