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 sound like a long duration, it has been sufficient to acquire some valuable perspectives on life in this vibrant city. London is not only abundant in culture and history but also presents a broad range of housing options and lively communities. Regardless of whether you’re a resident or an international student, securing accommodation here comes with numerous choices—from ensuite rooms and studio flats to shared apartments and house shares.
Students can look into both university-provided housing and private rental options. Home students typically benefit from the ability to attend in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities, costs, and accessibility to public transportation, facilitating informed choices from overseas.
When I initiated my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to remain close to major attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s extensive public transport system—including the Underground, buses, and trains—makes commuting fairly convenient. However, daily travel across zones can rack up costs as high as £5.25, so I frequently chose to walk shorter routes to conserve funds. Thankfully, student discounts on Oyster cards significantly alleviate commuting expenses.
Aside from the Underground, services such as the London Overground and National Rail link outer zones to the city, although fares differ based on the route and transport operator. Residing in Central London does entail a higher living cost, yet I managed to reduce expenses by sharing a room with a friend. We opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, which provided opportunities to connect with peers from various backgrounds—something not easily found in private rentals.
Proximity to everyday necessities was yet another key consideration in my housing choice. Being close to grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op facilitated life, especially during hectic exam periods. For more economical alternatives, retailers like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent options. Having pharmacies and supermarkets nearby minimizes both time and stress when handling errands.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be daunting, but London’s multicultural communities cater to a variety of tastes. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that echo their cultural heritage. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End serves as a hub for Chinese cuisine, shops, and festivities. These neighborhoods provide a sense of familiarity and community that can ease the transition to life in a new city.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and way of life. Whether you’re inclined toward cultural neighborhoods, convenience, or closeness to your university, London has something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, uncover its many neighborhoods, and maximize your experience in this remarkable location.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s