Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months of residence in London, I have gathered some valuable perspectives during this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its array of housing options but also due to its rich mix of communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodations and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities available, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for lodging, I sought to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London features an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making traversal and movement between zones straightforward. I focused on minimizing travel expenses, considering that inter-zonal journeys can amount to as high as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, covering areas outside the heart of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare system. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lessened our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix often harder to find in private properties.
It was essential for me to reside near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps to conserve time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a lively hub, filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable neighborhoods for living in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this remarkable city has to offer.