Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t particularly lengthy, I’ve acquired several observations. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its diverse housing alternatives but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective rentals online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my quest for living arrangements, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes transitioning and traveling between zones straightforward. I preferred to keep travel expenses low, as crossing between zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground routes, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London, with its prominent attractions, entails high living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, significantly cutting rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a critical role in its cultural framework, offering a rich mix of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best places to live in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the abundance and diversity of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.