Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
It’s been nine months since I relocated to London, and while that might not appear to be an extended period, it’s been sufficient to acquire substantial knowledge about residing in this vibrant city. London is renowned not only for its extensive array of housing possibilities but also for the varied communities that make it their home. Students have an abundance of options, ranging from student housing to private rentals—providing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly uncomplicated. In contrast, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, compare facilities, and assess closeness to public transport connections.
During my apartment hunt, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s primary attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement. Nevertheless, travel between zones can be pricey, with daily inter-zonal fares reaching as high as £5.25. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. However, student Oyster cards provide discounted fares, making commuting more budget-friendly. The London Overground and National Rail services also extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London comes with elevated costs, but I was able to reduce expenses by sharing a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. We selected intercollegiate student accommodation, which enabled us to connect with other students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another vital consideration for me. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland help to keep food expenses manageable. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is particularly convenient during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s multicultural communities are a crucial part of its character, presenting a vast range of cultural experiences. Many international students look for areas that mirror the culture of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. In the midst of the West End, Chinatown provides a bustling center of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of the numerous culturally rich neighborhoods throughout the city.
In the end, the ideal area to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to cultural communities, convenience, or affordability, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore your choices, and enjoy all that this remarkable city has in store.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s