**Nine Months in London: Lessons Learned**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is not only famous for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Particularly, students are blessed with an abundance of choices concerning accommodations. Options span from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. While local students often find it easy to schedule in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for a living space, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 representing the most central areas. The city features an outstanding public transport system, including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily transport costs reaching up to £5.25. To minimize travel expenses, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, providing greater coverage. However, the fares for these services differ based on distance and the train operator’s pricing policies.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages, but also comes with substantial living expenses. To control costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, who was also studying at university. This decision significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that can be more difficult to find in private rentals.
The closeness to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-conscious alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for keeping expenses down. Living near vital stores, including pharmacies, is exceptionally convenient, especially during intense exam periods when every minute counts.
Choosing the right neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s abundant cultural diversity shines through in its assortment of ethnic enclaves, each promising a distinct experience. Many international students find themselves drawn to areas that offer a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End presents a lively environment filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighborhoods are merely a glimpse into London’s multicultural landscape.
In the end, the ideal living location in London is based on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you find yourself attracted to the city’s varied housing options, its cultural hubs, or its convenience and vivacity, London caters to all. My experience here has been one of exploration, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering more of what this extraordinary city holds.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*