**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my experience of residing in London. While this timeframe might not appear extensive, it has granted me ample opportunity to absorb much about this dynamic city. London is characterized by its cultural diversity and communities, as well as its range of housing options. Students here face an abundance of choices, from student accommodations to private rentals, including features like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is seamless, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
As I initiated my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My intention was to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. The city’s superb transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. However, moving between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on transit. For commutes to university, the Oyster card has been invaluable, offering cheaper travel options. Besides the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with fares varying according to distance and the pricing of train operators.
Living in Central London presents advantages but is accompanied by steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating a chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—a combination that’s trickier to encounter in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Major supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Residing near necessary places, including pharmacies, proves especially helpful during hectic times like exam periods.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s rich cultural variety is mirrored in its ethnic communities, which shape its distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to locations that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese dining, retail, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a handful of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal living space in London hinges on your personal preferences and essentials. Whether you’re navigating through the city’s varied housing options, immersing yourself in its cultural neighbourhoods, or savoring the ease of its transport connections, London has something for everyone. Embrace the richness of this extraordinary city and maximize your experience here.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*