Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although not a long time, I’ve acquired several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a diverse array of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective lodgings online, along with their features and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social locales, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as interzone travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The major attractions in central London lead to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodation, which greatly cut down rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s multicultural communities play a significant role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant mix of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The top places to live in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.