Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear extensive, I have accumulated several observations throughout this period. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its wide array of housing alternatives but also its rich mix of communities. Students have a myriad of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and housing shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment tours, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move about and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside the central zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share accommodation, significantly diminishing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination tougher to find in privately rented properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex choice. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodations in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.