Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have picked up a few insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, recognized not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom make it simple for international students to browse prospective accommodations online, explore amenities, and discover connections to public transport.
During my search for a place, my goal was to rent a room in the heart of London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each railway company’s fare structure. Central London features prominent attractions, leading to high living expenses. Luckily, I had a friend attending the same university, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for a semblance of their home country’s environment. Southall in West London boasts a vast South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, features a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the community-rich areas.
The optimal places to live in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the rich diversity of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vitality of this extraordinary city.