Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have been in London for nine months now, and although it may not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with valuable perspectives on living in this vibrant city. London is steeped in culture and history, and it boasts a vast array of housing options and lively communities that make it a thrilling place to reside—particularly for students.
Students have an abundance of choices when it comes to securing accommodations. Options range from university dorms to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, evaluate amenities, and assess proximity to public transport options.
In my personal search for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s main attractions, social venues, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College London. London is segmented into six travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 encompassing the central regions. The city’s robust public transport network—which includes the Underground, buses, and trains—facilitates relatively straightforward commuting between zones. Nevertheless, daily inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25, prompting me to walk shorter distances to save on expenses. Thankfully, student discounts on Oyster cards significantly alleviate commuting costs.
Besides the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the central zones, enhancing connectivity even further. However, fares on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of the operators. While living in Central London is undeniably convenient, it also ranks as one of the priciest areas to reside in. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to save substantially on rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that’s often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Having essential amenities nearby was another key factor for me. Accessible grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op simplified daily tasks, particularly during busy exam seasons. For more budget-conscious shopping, alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent choices.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s remarkable diversity. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that mirror their cultural heritages. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few examples of the rich cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and lifestyle. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural diversity, its conveniences, or its vibrant atmosphere, there exists a neighbourhood and housing arrangement that will cater to your needs. Embrace the variety, delve into the communities, and fully capitalize on all that this remarkable city has to offer.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under: Uncategorized
Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s