**My Nine-Month Experience in London: Reflections and Learnings**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient for me to uncover and encounter a wealth of insights about this lively metropolis. London is not just recognized for its varied housing choices but also for the vibrant array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of options regarding living arrangements, ranging from student dormitories to private apartments. Selections include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings of apartments, international students frequently depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to research potential housing options online, examine facilities, and evaluate their distance to public transit.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near significant landmarks, social hubs, and my university campus at Imperial College was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport network—including the Underground (popularly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across these zones. However, travel expenses can accumulate, with inter-zonal journeys costing up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card has been invaluable, providing discounted travel options for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail systems extend beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the city center. However, ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also presents challenges, especially in terms of the high living expenses. To help manage costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled at the university. This decision greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that can be more challenging to find in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another vital aspect for me. London provides a plethora of supermarket choices, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely favored. Residing near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies has proven to be incredibly beneficial, particularly during hectic periods like exam season.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be an overwhelming endeavor. London’s multicultural communities are a hallmark of the city, providing a wide range of cultural experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the familiarity of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Likewise, Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are just a few instances of the cultural abundance that London holds.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied housing choices, its cultural districts, or its unmatched convenience, London has something to offer everyone. My time in this city has been an expedition of discovery and development, and I urge anyone relocating to this extraordinary place to embrace its diversity and seize the opportunities it presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*