Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired a few perspectives. London is a vibrant city, offering not only a variety of housing choices but also a mix of communities. Students have an abundant array of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and exclusive rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings, and platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, check for available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers an outstanding public transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies mobility and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel costs, particularly since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have helped lower commuting expenses to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Fare prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features prominent attractions, driving up living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university enabled us to significantly cut down on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend more difficult to find in private homes.
Being near grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse mix of neighborhoods. A significant number of international students in London look for a sense of their home country. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the midst of London’s West End, boasts numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to live in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt 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.