**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of living in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with significant insights into this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich mixture of communities that occupy it. Students, particularly, have an abundance of housing alternatives available, ranging from student residences to private rentals. Choices comprise ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is uncomplicated, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
When I started my search for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The remarkable transport network of the city—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily fares soaring to £5.25. To cut down on travel costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transit. For extended journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making it more budget-friendly for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the pricing policies of the specific train operators.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails higher living costs. To balance my expenses, I chose to share a room with a fellow student who was also attending university. This setup substantially decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations since I aimed to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that is often harder to discover in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another essential aspect for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-friendly choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, especially during hectic times like exam weeks.
Choosing the appropriate neighbourhood to reside in is a difficult decision due to London’s cultural diversity. The city’s ethnic enclaves enhance its allure, presenting a range of lively neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that offer a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and active music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the heart of the West End showcases a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the rich cultural fabric that London has to present.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation options, its cultural enclaves, or the ease of its transport connections, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of life in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*