**Insights from Nine Months in London: A Student’s Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not seem like an extensive period, it has sufficed for me to discover and engage with the distinct vibrancy of this city. London is not just varied in its selection of living arrangements but also in the communities that inhabit it. For students, the city boasts an abundance of housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, which include ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, setting up apartment viewings is fairly easy. However, international students like myself typically depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for possible lodgings online. These sites offer information about facilities, transport accessibility, and other crucial details, simplifying the searching process.
When I started my quest for accommodation, I was eager to secure a place in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College were my highest priorities. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport network—comprising the Underground (popularly known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates relatively easy travel between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly. For example, inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 per day. In an effort to save money, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fare options, which is particularly advantageous for students. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch to areas beyond the main zones, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the specific train service.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails higher living costs. To keep expenditures in check, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. Furthermore, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations as I wanted to engage with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that private rentals might not have provided as effortlessly.
Another important consideration for me was being close to grocery stores. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops within a short walk is extremely convenient, especially during hectic times such as exam weeks.
Selecting the right area to reside in London can be daunting, given the city’s vastness and variety. London’s ethnic communities contribute to its cultural depth, providing a sense of belonging for many international students. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its thriving South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. Additionally, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that make London remarkably distinctive.
In conclusion, the ideal area to live in London is contingent on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural diversity, its extensive range of housing options, or its accessible transport connections, London has something for everyone. For anyone beginning their own expedition in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to relish its richness, explore its neighborhoods, and seize the opportunities it offers.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*