Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this is not a lengthy duration, I’ve gained some understanding. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a wide range of selections available, from student residences to private rentals featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can smoothly schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse prospective accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
During my search for lodging, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city has a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make traversing and moving between zones effortless. To minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Inter-zone travel costs on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, greatly lowering our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination harder to come by in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are vital to its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of their home culture in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and ethnic clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-driven neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and variety of its housing offerings, discover cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.