Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve picked up a fair amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its extensive array of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private housing offer alternatives 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 enable international students to view potential lodgings online, assess the amenities available, and locate nearby public transport links.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. I aimed to limit my travel expenses, given that traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of taking a bus or tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground system, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts numerous popular attractions, resulting in high living costs. Fortunately, I was in university with a friend, so we made the decision to share a room, which helped us greatly reduce our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and a similar age range, a combination that might have been more difficult to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is quite complex. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, is known for its substantial South Asian community, full of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation possibilities, explore its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.