Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained a significant amount of insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering not only a variety of housing options but also rich community dynamics. Students are presented with an array of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students have no trouble securing viewings for apartments, while international students can explore potential living arrangements online through platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
As I sought a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, close to key attractions, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating smooth navigation across various zones. I aimed to minimize my travel costs, as traveling between zones can rack up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more wallet-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to numerous attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a demographic that’s often hard to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was a key priority for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite a task. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural landscape, showcasing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a semblance of their home country while in London. Southall in West London has a prominent South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a colorful hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of communal neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on individual interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and wealth of housing selections, delve into cultural communities, and savor the convenience and thrill offered by this extraordinary city.