Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a significant duration, I’ve accumulated valuable experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its wide-ranging living arrangements but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students benefit from various options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore various living possibilities online, evaluate amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching zones outside the central portion of the city. Fare prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its numerous major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery outlets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps conserve time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood for living can be a daunting task. The diverse ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, located in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.