**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Though it’s not a lengthy timeframe, it has been sufficiently long for me to gain some worthwhile perspectives on life in this bustling metropolis. London is not only a center for various living arrangements but also a hub of cultures from across the globe. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, from student lodgings to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. While local students can conveniently organize in-person apartment viewings, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, assess amenities, and gauge closeness to public transport options.
As I initiated my accommodation hunt, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. I sought to reside near the city’s key attractions, social centers, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is divided into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s robust transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To cut down on travel expenditures, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. For university travels, the Oyster card offers economical transport options. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing access to outer zones. However, ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London brings advantages but also steep living expenses. To help manage costs, I opted to share a room with a friend attending university as well. This setup significantly lowered our rent. I selected to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations because they provided the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is often harder to discover in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial factor for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Being situated near essential stores, including pharmacies, saved me valuable time, particularly during hectic periods like exam weeks.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s extensive cultural variety. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its character, creating lively neighborhoods that showcase their distinct cultures. Many international students are drawn to areas that offer a feeling of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re navigating the city’s varied accommodation choices, immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, or simply enjoying the convenience of its excellent transport links, London offers something for everyone. Appreciate the richness of this extraordinary city and make the most of your experience here.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*