A few days ago marked my nine months in London. While nine months isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant city, not only in terms of its variety of housing options but also its communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, showcasing amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city consists of six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I preferred walking short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered university commuting costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone transit on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are driven by its major attractions. Thankfully, I university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group—a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a range of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End features numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the comfort and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
By Guest Blogger
Categorised under Uncategorized
Tagged accommodation, Housing, London Life, master’s