Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it’s a relatively brief period, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its wide range of housing offerings but also due to its dynamic communities. Students have abundant options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, complete with amenities and public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is split into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel among zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as cross-zone trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, which results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I leaned toward intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is tougher to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver during errands, especially around exam time.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a significant role in its cultural identity, presenting varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of home away from home in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is filled with many Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to live in London are influenced by your interests and needs. When hunting for a new residence in London, take in the diverse and rich array of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the comforts and thrills of this extraordinary city.