Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not appear lengthy, I’ve accumulated some valuable observations during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a myriad of accommodation choices and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, verify available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my pursuit of a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation across the city and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that would have been more challenging to find in private residences.
For me, living in proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with countless Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to live in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of the city’s accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.