Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just a few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to obtain some invaluable perspectives on life in this vibrant city. London is renowned not only for its extensive range of accommodation choices but also for its rich and varied communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options—from student halls to private rentals, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, studio apartments, private rooms, and house shares. Local students can easily set up in-person viewings, while international students take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which facilitate virtual tours and furnish detailed information about amenities and transport connections.
When I was on the lookout for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social hubs, and most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is categorized into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 constituting the central area. The city’s superb public transportation network—including the Underground, buses, and trains—simplifies navigation. However, daily inter-zone travel can set you back up to £5.25, so I frequently chose to walk shorter distances to save on fares. Nevertheless, student discounts on Oyster cards greatly lessen commuting expenses. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, reaching more remote areas. Fares on these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London comes at a premium, but I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which eased our rental burden. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation because I wanted to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that’s more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was also a priority for me. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Having essential stores nearby is particularly convenient during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s multicultural communities form an essential part of its character, offering a broad spectrum of cultural experiences. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that resonate with the culture of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Similarly, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling hub of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the city’s vibrant cultural enclaves.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and lifestyle. Whether you’re attracted by the cultural diversity, the convenience of prime locations, or the affordability of outer zones, London caters to everyone. Embrace the variety, discover the neighbourhoods, and relish all that this remarkable city has to offer.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s