**Discovering a Place to Live in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
It has been nine months since I relocated to London, and while that time frame may not appear extensive, I have gained considerable insights into residing in this vibrant city. London presents a broad spectrum of housing options, catering to its varied demographic. Students, in particular, are afforded numerous choices, from university accommodation to private leases, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, single and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can investigate options online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These websites deliver information regarding amenities and proximity to public transport, facilitating a more streamlined search process.
During my quest for a residence, I emphasized securing a rental in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s comprehensive public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—renders commuting straightforward. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, reaching as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying solely on public transport. Thankfully, Oyster card options significantly lower travel costs for students heading to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing links to outer zones. Travel expenses on these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but I managed to reduce rental costs by sharing a room with a friend. I favored intercollegiate student housing, as it enabled interaction with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an aspect that can be trickier to find in private rentals.
A pivotal factor in my housing selection was the closeness to supermarkets. Familiar chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while cost-effective options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential services, such as pharmacies, is immensely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam sessions.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can prove to be quite a task. The city’s abundant cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, which offer a comforting atmosphere for international students. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Alternatively, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of the West End, brims with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a fraction of the diverse cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in hinges on your personal preferences and interests. Securing a home in London signifies embracing the city’s variety, delving into its cultural neighborhoods, and relishing the convenience and thrill it has to offer.