**Nine Months in London: A Student’s View on Housing and Urban Living**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though this duration might seem brief, it has been ample for me to gain significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied accommodation choices but also for the colorful tapestry of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides a multitude of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
Home students find that arranging viewings is generally quite simple, while international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse available properties. These platforms detail amenities, transport accessibility, and other essential aspects, facilitating better planning.
### Locating the Ideal Living Space
When I initiated my quest for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to significant landmarks, social centers, and my university, Imperial College, was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies movement across zones.
Nonetheless, commuting expenses can escalate rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To manage costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card system presents discounted fare options, which is especially advantageous for students. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London.
Residing in Central London carries a considerable cost, but I was lucky to share a room with a companion, significantly lowering our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I wanted to engage with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that might be less feasible in private rentals.
### Access to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was a vital requirement. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students aiming to save some cash. Proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly useful during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite overwhelming, given the city’s remarkable diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, offering unique experiences across different locales. Many international students tend to favor neighborhoods that reflect the culture of their homelands.
For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighborhoods exemplify just a small portion of the cultural wealth that London presents.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural neighborhoods or its contemporary amenities, London has something to offer everyone. As you embark on your search for a new residence, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of this extraordinary city. From its varied accommodation choices to its distinctive neighborhoods, London is a place where you can genuinely maximize your experience.
—
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*