Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear long, I have gathered several insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares can be found in both student residences and private accommodations. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
While hunting for a place to stay, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones quite straightforward. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced university commutes. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services connect beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its top attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, substantially lowering our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their homeland in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples highlight the diversity of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diverse housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.