Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I have gathered some observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide array of living options but also because of its eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. The range includes student residences and private housing, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, verify amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two at the core. London’s transportation network, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare structure of individual train operators. The cost of living near Central London’s main attractions is elevated. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, dramatically lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available. Proximity to needed stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London yearn for the familiarity of their native countries. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian population complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London are influenced by personal preferences and necessities. When seeking a new place in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.