Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

A few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months isn’t a lengthy period, I have gained some insights during this time. London is a vibrant city, not only regarding its varied housing options but also the communities that dwell here. Students have ample choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present diverse options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview potential living spaces online, showcasing the amenities and distance to public transport.

In searching for a living arrangement, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my commuting costs, as travel between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have significantly lowered university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London has major attractions, leading to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from different backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination less common in private rentals.

Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.

Selecting a neighborhood to call home is not easy. London’s ethnic enclaves are essential to its cultural identity, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a lively area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.

The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its rental options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.

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