Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this period may not be extensive, I’ve gained valuable perspectives throughout my stay. London is an energetic city, characterized by its array of housing options and lively communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential places to live online, highlighting amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered the costs of university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in high living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, substantially decreasing our rent. I favored university-affiliated accommodations, with the hope of connecting with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their native culture. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and flourishing music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The best districts to stay in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While looking for a new place in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.