Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I have garnered some observations. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its numerous housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Residential students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, verify available features, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to prominent landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most metropolitan being zones one and two. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between the zones. I sought to minimize transit costs, as inter-zonal commuting can cost up to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand to areas outside the Underground network, reaching further zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly mitigating rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic enclaves are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse communities. Many international students in London desire a sense of connection to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End, is a dynamic area filled with myriad Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London are determined by personal preferences and requirements. While seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.