Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might seem brief, I have gathered several observations throughout this period. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its dynamic communities. Students have numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals present a wide range of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to call home, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social gathering places, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to move around and travel between the zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of using a bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each rail operator. The high living expenses in Central London are largely due to its prominent attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and around my age, a mix that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to important stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.