Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long time, I have gathered several insights. London is a vibrant city, not only because of its range of housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview their prospective homes online, including their amenities and location relative to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and inter-zone travel. I intended to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the underground network, extending into zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The popularity of central London’s prime attractions drives up living costs. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us significantly lower rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds in the same age group, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, which is especially beneficial during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, offering a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. A significant number of international students in London look for a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a considerable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.