Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and a variety of communities. Students have ample opportunities right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can readily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, check available facilities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my search for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an exceptional transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, that facilitates easy navigation around the city and travel between zones. I sought to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily; thus, I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult through private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community areas.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent upon individual preferences and needs. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.