Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might seem short, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its wide array of housing options but also for its rich diversity of communities. Students have plenty of choices available right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private accommodations offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, review available amenities, and identify the closest public transport links.
In my search for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to be close to major sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I intended to keep travel expenses low since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of using a bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs associated with Central London’s popular attractions can be daunting. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds who are also in my age group, a mix less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, especially when exams approach.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. London’s various ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of familiarity from their home country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In the center of London’s West End, Chinatown stands out as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are just a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
Determining the best areas to live in London hinges on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.