Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
It has been nine months since I relocated to London, and although that may not appear to be an extensive period, I have absorbed a considerable amount about residing in this lively and multifaceted city. London presents a plethora of accommodation choices, accommodating all sorts of tastes and financial plans. Whether you are in search of student housing or private leases, there is something available for everyone—ensuite rooms, studios, shared apartments, and house shares are all easily accessible. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple. International students can discover options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which offer comprehensive details about facilities and transportation links.
During my quest for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. I wished to be near the city’s primary attractions, social venues, and most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s exceptional public transport network—including the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates relatively easy navigation. However, daily inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25, so I frequently opted to walk shorter distances to economize. Nevertheless, student Oyster cards significantly lessen commuting expenses. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services link the outer zones, though ticket prices vary based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London entails a higher expense, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which alleviated the rental cost. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation in hopes of connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was an additional crucial factor in my housing choice. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential shops like these is particularly advantageous during hectic times, like exam season.
Selecting the perfect neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that mirror their cultural heritages. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its dynamic South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery markets, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Chinatown, located in the West End, is a bustling center of Chinese gastronomy, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the various cultural enclaves that lend London its distinctive character.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in is contingent upon your individual needs and preferences. When looking for a place to establish your home in London, embrace the city’s diversity, delve into its cultural wealth, and relish the thrilling opportunities it presents.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s