Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve accumulated some valuable observations. London is a dynamic city, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also for its spirited communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private accommodation offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, along with information on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and inter-zone movement straightforward. To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, connecting to areas outside central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major sites in Central London result in elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a companion allowed us to share a room, greatly alleviating rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mixture less common in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite tricky. The ethnic communities of London are pivotal to its cultural fabric, providing a vibrant array of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of neighborhood communities.
The best places to live in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of the available accommodations, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.