Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gathered some valuable observations. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing options but also because of its vibrant communities. Students are presented with countless alternatives. Both student housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing arrangements online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transportation.
During my housing search, I specifically sought a room to rent in Central London to stay close to notable attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as cross-zone travel can add up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk for shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped make university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services varies depending on distance and the pricing system of each train operator. The high demand for Central London’s attractions contributes to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion allowed us to share accommodations, significantly lowering rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which can be more difficult to achieve with privately owned properties.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes errand time, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to live in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When searching for your next home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of accommodation options, explore cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.