London has a lot of different and diverse places within the city limits. It’s almost more like a mixture of small towns, all located within a short journey from each other. Staying with a host family offers you a great chance to get to know new areas. Read on to learn about two in zone 4.
What is Zone 4?
London’s public transport system divides the city into different zones. Zone 1 is at the very centre, and the zone numbers get higher as you go further out. Luckily, transport is quite affordable and reliable in the city, and it doesn’t take too long to get from zone 4 to the more central university campuses.
Barnet
A great spot for a homestay, London’s Barnet area is close enough to the city that there’s always something to do, but also has a style all its own.
• Pubs
In classic British style, Barnet High Street has a lot of pubs to choose from, including the Black Horse, the Lord Nelson and the Mitre. Why not explore them with your host family or fellow students?
• Everyman Cinema
Recently renovated, this charming movie theatre offers comfy seats, affordable tickets and good fast food from a US-style diner. One thing you’ll learn during your homestay: London has an incredible variety of food from different cultures.
• Hopscotch Sweets
Finally, this excellent sweet shop offers a great range of treats, as well as some unique loose-leaf teas. Even better: if you know how to bake, this place has all the ingredients to make the perfect cake.
Totteridge
Totteridge, served by the underground station Totteridge and Whetstone on the Northern Line, feels much quieter than other London locations, almost like a traditional English village, but you can access the city centre in around 20 minutes. If you want a countryside vibe from your homestay in London, this is the place for you.
Quaint and Homely
With historic mansions, the charming St Andrew’s church, and a local pub called the Orange Tree, Totteridge feels homely. Add in golf courses and lots of parks, and it even feels like the countryside.
The London LOOP
The area also offers the perfect chance to get out into nature: you can walk the Totteridge to Barnet section of this famous route without ever needing to set foot on any roads. It’s a great way to clear your head, especially if you’re working on a lengthy project or taking a break from an intense study session.
Izgara
Another bit of world culture for your homestay, London’s Turkish community keeps this excellent restaurant authentic – and, more importantly, tasty. It’s only a few minutes from the tube (metro) stop, and great for everything from a full evening meal to a quick lunchtime takeaway.
As you can see, being far from the centre doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see or do. Talk to your host family for more tips and go and explore for yourself – you never know what you might discover!
Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student accommodation, whether they prefer Halls of Residence or a private homestay. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s expert tips and tricks never fail to put aspiring residents at ease. Her knowledge stems from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.
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