Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not be a long time, I have accumulated some experiences throughout my time here. London is a vibrant city, not just regarding its diverse housing options but also for the various communities that inhabit it. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing present options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential places online, including the amenities and proximity to transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. My personal objective was to lower travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. Central London hosts many prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, providing a rich selection of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the familiarity of their home country within the city. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The perfect neighborhoods to reside in London are based on personal preferences and requirements. As you search for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.