Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months is not an extensive period, I have gained several insights during this time. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their doorstep. Options in both student residences and private housing include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and assess their proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room to rent in Central London to be near significant landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a remarkable public transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside of the Underground network, extending into zones outside of the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and fare structures of each train operating company. While Central London boasts major attractions, it also leads to exceptionally high living costs. Thankfully, I was studying at university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred living in intercollegiate student accommodations, as it provided an opportunity to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture within this city. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with plentiful Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best places to live in London are influenced by your preferences and requirements. In searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.