Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though this may not seem extensive, I have acquired several observations during this timeframe. London thrives with vibrancy, not merely due to its varied housing choices but also its multitude of communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both dormitory facilities and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, review the amenities provided, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a residence, I intended to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six circular zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London has an outstanding transport infrastructure, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and navigation between zones simple. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, accessing zones outside the central hub. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare system of each rail company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I went to school with a friend, and we agreed to co-rent a room, which led to substantial savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and a similar age group—an amalgamation more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse selection of neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comfort of their homeland. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community comprising Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the multitude and richness of its housing alternatives, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.