Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
It has been nine months since I relocated to London, and although that might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been sufficient for me to gain extensive insights about residing in this lively city. London is not just abundant in culture and heritage, but it also provides a vast array of housing choices and varied communities. For students, the selections are numerous—spanning from student residences to private accommodations, including ensuite rooms, studio flats, shared apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently set up in-person viewings, whereas international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover properties online, review amenities, and evaluate the closeness to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s primary attractions, social gathering spots, and most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s broad public transportation network—including the Underground, buses, and trains—facilitates commuting fairly easily. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily inter-zonal fares reaching as high as £5.25. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Nonetheless, student discounts on Oyster cards have rendered commuting more economical. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to outer zones, with fares varying according to distance and provider.
Residing in Central London comes with a steeper price, but I was able to lower expenses by sharing a room with a university friend. This not only significantly diminished our rent but also enhanced the experience. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation because I wanted to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that can be more challenging in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while budget-oriented options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland help keep living expenses manageable. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is particularly convenient during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting, considering the city’s remarkable diversity. Numerous international students tend to flock to areas that mirror their cultural backgrounds. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its vibrant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a diverse selection of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the many cultural enclaves that render London unique.
Ultimately, the ideal place to call home in London relies on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you seek cultural familiarity, convenience, or affordability, London has a little something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, explore its numerous neighborhoods, and make the most of your time in this dynamic and exhilarating locale.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s