Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months living in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained a wealth of experience. London is a vibrant city, known not only for its range of living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have a myriad of opportunities available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, showcasing amenities and ease of access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could reach up to £5.25 a day. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas extending beyond the Underground network, covering zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone trips on these services depend on the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in high living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to room together, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home culture. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian demographic, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and shops selling traditional attire. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music environment. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is an energetic area replete with a plethora of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural events. These are merely examples of diverse community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When searching for housing in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.