**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my experience of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire significant knowledge about the city. London is an energetic metropolis, flourishing not only with its varied lodging options but also with its lively communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, from student residences to private leases. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, my emphasis was on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s principal attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is constructed into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The extensive public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across zones. Nevertheless, moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day, so I chose to walk shorter distances to minimize travel expenses. For longer trips, I discovered that employing an Oyster card considerably lowered costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, covering outer zones. While fares on these services fluctuate, they offer a practical method to discover areas outside Central London.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living costs. To mitigate expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement allowed us to significantly decrease our rent. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aspired to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Another crucial consideration for me was proximity to grocery stores. Prominent supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more budget-friendly alternatives. Living close to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies turned out to be a time-efficient choice, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are intricately woven into its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that reflect their native cultures. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the city’s rich diversity.
Ultimately, the ideal residence in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central conveniences, London presents a myriad of accommodation options tailored to suit every requirement. Embrace the diversity, explore the neighbourhoods, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*