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Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While that may not seem like a substantial period, it has certainly provided me with ample opportunity to gather insights about living in this dynamic city. London boasts not only a rich cultural tapestry and diverse communities but also an extensive range of housing choices for students. Whether you seek student accommodations or private rentals, there’s an option for everyone—from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio apartments, and shared housing.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings tends to be quite easy. In contrast, international students can benefit from utilizing platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, investigate amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my focus was on Central London. I aimed to be near major sights, social hubs, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric transport zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The public transport network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nevertheless, daily travel across zones can be as high as £5.25, leading me to often choose to walk shorter distances to save on costs. Thankfully, student discounts on Oyster cards significantly lessen commuting expenses.
Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach out beyond the central zones, providing extended connectivity. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the train operator involved.
Residing in Central London comes with a hefty cost, but I managed to lessen my expenses by sharing a room with a fellow university student. We opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, which allowed us to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and close in age—a benefit that’s harder to find in private rentals.
The location of grocery stores was another crucial element of my housing choice. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent value. Being close to essential shops and pharmacies is particularly handy during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the right area in London can be daunting, given the city’s rich cultural fabric. Numerous international students often gravitate toward neighborhoods that mirror their own cultural backgrounds. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian population, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural events. These neighborhoods represent just a sampling of London’s multicultural environment.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether you are attracted to cultural districts, convenience, or affordability, the city has a plethora of options to offer. Embrace the diversity, explore the different neighborhoods, and take full advantage of everything this remarkable city presents.
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By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s