Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gleaned valuable perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students are afforded numerous choices. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of using a bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. However, oyster card options have lowered commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, covering regions outside central London. Fare prices for inter-zone trips vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to critical stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form an integral aspect of its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian cuisine, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and energetic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London largely hinge on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.