Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Nine months ago, I relocated to London to commence my postgraduate studies, and while that might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to acquire some meaningful perspectives on living in this vibrant city. London boasts not only a wealth of culture and history but also provides a diverse range of housing options and lively communities that render it an exhilarating place to reside—particularly for students.
In terms of securing accommodation, students in London are truly spoilt for choice. From student residences to private rentals, there’s something available to match every taste and financial plan. Choices vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio apartments, and shared accommodations. Homegrown students can easily arrange for in-person viewings, while those from abroad can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, evaluate amenities, and gauge accessibility to public transport.
During my personal search, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain near Imperial College, major landmarks, and social venues. London is categorized into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s public transport system—including the Underground, buses, and rail services—facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, daily travel between zones can reach up to £5.25, prompting me to prefer walking shorter distances to save on fares. Luckily, student discounts on Oyster cards render commuting more economical, and services like the London Overground and National Rail stretch beyond the Tube network, linking outer zones to the city center.
Residing in Central London comes with a higher price point, but I managed to reduce expenses by sharing a room with a friend. We opted for intercollegiate student housing, which not only helped with costs but also provided us opportunities to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds—an experience that’s less common in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial element in my housing choice. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present excellent value. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is especially beneficial during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood may be daunting, but London’s multifaceted communities cater to various preferences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that resonate with their cultural identities. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community and offers an array of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and vibrant music culture, whereas Chinatown in the West End provides a lively array of Chinese culinary delights, shops, and cultural festivities.
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual needs and way of life. Whether you’re in pursuit of cultural connection, affordability, or closeness to campus, London’s extensive selection of neighborhoods and housing formats guarantees there’s a suitable option for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, discover its distinct communities, and relish all that this remarkable city has to offer.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s