Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of living in London. While this may not be a lengthy duration, I have acquired some valuable understandings. London is a vibrant city, presenting a vast range of housing options and multicultural communities. Students can explore several alternatives, including student accommodations and private rentals, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can easily coordinate apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, complete with amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To economize on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, with fares varying by distance and the ticketing policies of train companies. The high living expenses in Central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while at university helped to significantly lower our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is convenient, saving time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their native countries in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the midst of London’s West End, is a bustling area abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community hubs.
The best places to live in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, cherish the diversity and wealth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and take pleasure in the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.