Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gained some insights. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students can find numerous options right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, showcasing amenities and public transport connections.
Throughout my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to lower travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short 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 beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London is home to significant attractions, which contributes to high living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to mingle with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London depend on your passions and requirements. While on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and indulge in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.