**Insights After Nine Months in London**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be a long duration, it has been sufficient for me to gain extensive knowledge about this lively and eclectic city. London is not merely a center of cultural diversity; it also provides a vast selection of housing options to accommodate various tastes and financial plans. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city caters to everyone, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling viewings for apartments is relatively easy. However, international students like myself frequently depend on online resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities, accessibility to public transportation, and other crucial information, simplifying the process considerably.
When I initiated my quest for a living space, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social areas, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system, which comprises the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, enables easy movement between zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly, particularly for inter-zonal journeys, which can amount to up to £5.25 each day. To minimize costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transportation. For longer travels, I discovered the Oyster card to be an economical choice. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail go beyond the Underground network, facilitating travel to outer zones, although ticket prices differ based on distance and train providers.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also its drawbacks, especially the high living costs. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This decision significantly lowered our rent. I also decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a community that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are conveniently located, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Living close to essential shops and pharmacies proved indispensable, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be an overwhelming challenge, considering the city’s enormity and diversity. The ethnic communities in London form a vital component of its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that echo the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Likewise, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a handful of examples of the city’s multicultural allure.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you are looking for a new residence or just wandering around the city, London’s varied accommodation choices, cultural communities, and dynamic atmosphere render it an exceptionally remarkable place to call home.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*