**Nine Months in London: Valuable Insights**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient for me to gain significant understanding of life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied accommodation types but also for the diverse cultural communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wealth of housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestically based students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite uncomplicated. In contrast, international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These websites offer insights about facilities and closeness to public transport, simplifying the search process substantially.
At the onset of my search, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s transport network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates travel between zones. However, traveling across zones can be pricey, with daily costs climbing to £5.25. To minimize travel expenditures, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For commutes to university, the Oyster card proved invaluable, providing discounted travel alternatives.
For those traveling past the Underground network, the London Overground and National Rail services reach outer zones. Nevertheless, fares for these services differ based on distance and the particular train operator. While the allure of Central London’s attractions makes it an exhilarating living option, the living expenses are considerably higher. Luckily, a friend was attending university alongside me, and we opted to share a room, enabling us to save significantly on rent.
I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that private housing might not have afforded.
Proximity to grocery stores was another key consideration for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, has been extremely handy, particularly during exam seasons when time is critical.
Choosing the ideal neighborhood to live in is an important choice. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural diversity, presenting various distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that echo their homelands. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its large South Asian population, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End offers a bustling array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of London’s vibrant community neighborhoods.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are searching for a new residence or simply exploring the city, relish the diversity and cultural wealth that London has to offer. Immerse yourself in its distinctive neighborhoods, enjoy the convenience of its top-notch transportation system, and maximize the thrill that this extraordinary city has in store.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*