**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a brief period, it has provided me with ample opportunities to discover a significant amount about this dynamic and varied city. London is celebrated not only for its extensive array of housing options but also for the rich cultural fabric of communities that reside within it. For students, the city presents a multitude of accommodation choices, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is a simple process, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate prospective housing online. These sites offer comprehensive details regarding amenities and their closeness to public transport, facilitating a smoother search experience.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a room, I concentrated on Central London to remain near key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s impressive transport system—including the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—allows for easy movement across these zones.
To minimize travel costs, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day, so reducing these expenses was essential. For longer trips, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card greatly lowered transport costs. Additionally, services like London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground, linking outer areas to the city center. However, fares for these services vary based on distance and train operator.
Living in Central London offers benefits, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly helped us budget for rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that can be less accessible with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing close to grocery shops was a must. London has numerous supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies proved to be crucial, particularly during busy times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s rich cultural diversity. Many international students tend to favor areas that echo the familiarity of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Likewise, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving enclave packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that make London such a distinctive and inviting city.
### Conclusion
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and necessities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation options, its rich cultural neighborhoods, or its accessible transport links, London caters to everyone. My suggestion? Embrace the diversity, delve into the cultural depth, and seize the excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: Accommodation, Housing, London Life, Master’s*