Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Nine months ago, I relocated to London to embark on my postgraduate journey, and although this timeframe might seem short, it has been sufficient to gather some meaningful perspectives on life in this lively metropolis. London is not just brimming with culture and diversity; it also presents a myriad of housing options catering to every student’s requirements. Whether you’re in search of student accommodations or private rentals, the selections are abundant—from ensuite and shared bathrooms to studio flats and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange in-person apartment viewings, while international students can leverage websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transportation.
During my hunt for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. I aimed to be near Imperial College, in addition to the city’s prominent attractions and social venues. London is split into six transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an impressive public transport system—including the Underground, buses, and trains—which facilitates easy navigation. Nevertheless, traveling daily across zones can incur costs of up to £5.25, prompting me to frequently opt for walking shorter distances to save on expenses. That said, student discounts on Oyster cards make commuting more budget-friendly. Apart from the Underground, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach the outer zones, with fares varying according to distance and service provider.
Residing in Central London does entail a steeper expense, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which significantly alleviated our rent burden. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, aspiring to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something often harder to achieve in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another vital consideration for me. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland help mitigate living expenses. Being near essential shops and pharmacies proves particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s vastness and diversity. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that resonate with their cultural heritage. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a rich variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many culturally unique neighborhoods that contribute to London’s charm.
Ultimately, the most suitable place to reside in London is contingent on your personal tastes and lifestyle. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, in search of convenience, or hoping for a sense of community, London provides something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore your choices, and maximize your experience in this remarkable city.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s