Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While my time here has been relatively brief, I have gathered some valuable experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a diverse range of housing alternatives and bustling communities. Students can select from a plethora of options, including student residences, private accommodations like ensuite and suite bathrooms, as well as shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students are able to easily set up viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate potential living spaces online, review available features, and gauge accessibility to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near popular sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six circular zones, with zones one and two representing the innermost areas. London features a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as crossing between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have helped make commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside centrally located London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a blend that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important for me. Common chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Many international students seek a sense of connection to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community and features Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are just a handful of the community neighborhoods available.
Determining the best places to live in London relies on personal preferences and necessities. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.