Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently marked my ninth month of residing in London. While it might not seem like an extensive period, I’ve gathered valuable experiences during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its array of housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students enjoy a plethora of choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private sleeping arrangements, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including the available facilities and closeness to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I focused on finding a room in Central London, aiming to be close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling and navigating between zones seamless. I aimed to keep travel expenses low since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, considerably lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Living near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their homeland within London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian presence, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.