Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some observations. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a variety of housing choices and lively neighborhoods. Students have an abundance of options available to them, such as student residences and private lodgings featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my pursuit of a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. The city features an exceptional transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To decrease travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside of central London, with ticket prices varying by distance and the fare policies of each train service. The prime attractions in Central London influence the elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, particularly in busy exam periods.
Choosing a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a connection to their home country while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.