Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it’s not a lengthy period, I’ve gained extensive insights. London is a bustling metropolis, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students have numerous alternatives right at their fingertips. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, assess amenities, and discover the closest public transportation links.
In my quest for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these routes fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major sites, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which helped us save considerably on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds of a similar age, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies expedites errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant array of unique neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London crave a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with diverse Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London are determined by your preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.