**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to acquire important lessons about life in this dynamic city. London is not just famous for its varied accommodation choices but also for the extensive array of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, have an abundance of housing options available to them, which include student housing and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and consider the accessibility of public transport connections.
When I initiated my quest for a place to stay, my priority was to find a room in Central London. I aimed to be near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first and second being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport network—comprising the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates travel across zones. However, moving between these zones can become expensive, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card was highly beneficial, providing discounted travel rates for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to Central London. Travel charges on these services differ according to distance and the individual fare policies of train operators.
Residing in Central London presents its benefits alongside its drawbacks, particularly the steep cost of living. To alleviate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend also attending university. This setup greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations as I was enthusiastic about meeting fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an environment that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery shops was another crucial consideration for me. London showcases a variety of supermarket chains, with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op being the most prevalent. For more affordable options, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are fantastic alternatives. Living in proximity to essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time and effort, particularly during busy times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be quite overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant mix of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students are drawn to neighborhoods reflecting the culture of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are just a handful of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctive character.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation choices, its lively cultural neighborhoods, or its unmatched convenience, London has something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, delve into the richness of its communities, and take full advantage of your time in this remarkable city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*