**Nine Months in London: Insights on Living and Housing**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear lengthy, it has been sufficient to acquire significant knowledge about existence in this dynamic city. London is not only a conglomerate of cultures but also provides a variety of housing options to meet various requirements. Whether a student or a working professional, the city offers selections from student accommodations to private residences, comprising ensuite rooms, shared areas, studio flats, and house shares.
For international scholars, sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are indispensable for locating housing. These platforms enable you to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport. Conversely, home students frequently benefit from the ability to schedule on-site viewings.
When I initiated my hunt, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to reside near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares climbing to £5.25. To economize, I opted for walking shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For extended journeys, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly alternative.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, providing more travel choices. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but also comes with steep living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I chose to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they afforded the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration in my decision-making. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundant, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students on a restricted budget. Residing close to essential stores and pharmacies is especially helpful during hectic times, like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vast cultural diversity. Many international students are drawn to areas that reflect familiarity with their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
In the end, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central sites, London presents a plethora of options to delve into. Embrace the diversity, immerse yourself in the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, and make the most of your experience in this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*