Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just a few days ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has allowed me to discover a considerable amount about life in this vibrant city. London is not only recognized for its extensive range of housing alternatives but also for the rich variety of communities that reside here. Students, in particular, have an abundance of options when it comes to accommodations. Whether you seek student-focused residences or private rentals, choices vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For students based in the UK, arranging in-person viewings is quite simple. Meanwhile, international students can utilize resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, compare features, and assess proximity to public transport.
When I started my accommodation hunt, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. I wanted to be near the city’s main attractions, popular hangouts, 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 offers a fantastic public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation. However, travel expenses can accumulate—inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. Nonetheless, student discounts on Oyster cards have made my daily commute to university more wallet-friendly. In addition to the Tube, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach outer zones, with fares varying depending on the distance and the operator’s pricing.
Residing in Central London does entail a higher expense, but I was fortunate to share accommodation with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing because I wished to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that can be less attainable in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another significant consideration for me. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly present, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent value. Living nearby essential shops and pharmacies is particularly advantageous during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s multicultural communities are an essential aspect of its identity, offering a plethora of cultural experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the culture of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, filled with Indian restaurants, grocery retailers, and clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the numerous cultural enclaves that lend uniqueness to London.
In the end, the best locality to reside in London is contingent on your personal inclinations and lifestyle. Whether you’re attracted to the cultural wealth of specific neighbourhoods or the ease of central living, London has something to offer for everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore your choices, and relish all that this remarkable city has in store.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s