Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve absorbed quite a lot. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices at their disposal. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, showcasing the amenities available and proximity to public transport.
During my search for a place to stay, my goal was to find a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high costs of living in Central London stem from its main attractions. Fortunately, I enrolled at university with a friend, and together we opted to share a room, resulting in notable savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and age groups, a combination more difficult 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 alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The closeness to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies alleviates time spent on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home nationality within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community locales.
The finest neighborhoods to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, relish the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, discover cultural hubs, and embrace the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.