Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration isn’t significant, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives during my stay. London is a vibrant city, both for its diverse housing options and its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Student residences and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential rentals online, including the available amenities and their proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures smooth navigation and travel between the zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing scheme of each train operator. The central attractions of London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence is not an easy task. The ethnic communities of London are pivotal to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional boutique shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.