Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just a few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While that might not appear to be an extended period, it has been sufficient to gather some insightful perspectives on life in this vibrant city. London is not only abundant in culture and history but also provides a diverse range of housing options and lively communities. For students, the selections are ample—from dedicated student housing to private rentals, including options like ensuite rooms, studios, shared flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging viewings is quite simple. For international students, websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate the exploration of prospective accommodations online, allowing for comparisons of amenities and assessments of distance to public transport.
During my search for a place to stay, I concentrated on Central London to remain near major attractions, social venues, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s comprehensive public transport system—including the Underground, buses, and trains—ensures that commuting between zones is hassle-free. However, daily travel across zones can incur costs of up to £5.25, prompting me to frequently walk shorter distances to save money. Nevertheless, student discounts and Oyster card options significantly alleviate commuting expenses. The London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching further areas with varying fare structures based on the operator and distance.
Residing in Central London entails a higher expense, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which helped reduce rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation because I aimed to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
One of my primary considerations was living close to grocery stores. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent value. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies has proven to be particularly advantageous during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting, but London’s multicultural communities present a unique chance to feel at home, even when you are far away. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population and boasts Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the West End, is a bustling center of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods exemplify how London’s diversity is mirrored in its communities.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you seek cultural familiarity, closeness to your university, or affordable living, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the diversity, venture through the city’s numerous neighbourhoods, and make the most of your experience in this remarkable city.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s