**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be a significant amount of time, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gain a few important insights about this lively city. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for its multicultural populations. For students, the city presents a plethora of housing alternatives, including student accommodations and private rentals. Choices span from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings in person, international students frequently depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, assess amenities, and judge proximity to public transport.
As I commenced my search for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain in close proximity to the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, most critically, the Imperial College’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport system, inclusive of the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. For longer travels, I depended on an Oyster card, which markedly lowers travel expenses for students. Beyond the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, although fares fluctuate based on distance and operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This setup enabled us to make significant savings on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging to accomplish with private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. London boasts a wide variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential grocery stores and pharmacies proved to be a time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities form an essential facet of its cultural identity, crafting a rich tapestry of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. In the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling quarter teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s dynamic community hubs.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re investigating the city’s varied housing options, immersing yourself in its cultural enclaves, or relishing the convenience of its world-class transport system, London has something for everyone. My experience over the last nine months has been a testament to the city’s extraordinary capacity to merge diversity, excitement, and opportunity.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*