**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Learnings**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it’s been sufficient for me to acquire significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London serves not only as a center for varied housing alternatives; it’s also a fusion of cultures from across the globe. For students, the metropolis presents a wide array of housing options, from student residences to private rentals, featuring choices such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared spaces, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. Nonetheless, international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential rentals online. These sites offer information about facilities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial details, simplifying the search process.
### Locating Your Home
When I started my quest for a residence, my focus was on Central London. My aim was to stay near key attractions, social spots, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport system—including the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel among these zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card system has rendered commuting more budget-friendly for students. For journeys outside the Tube range, the London Overground and National Rail services reach outer zones, although fares differ based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London provides benefits, but it also entails higher living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, as it offered the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—something more challenging to find with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to key stores, including pharmacies, is time-saving and convenient, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Communities
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a tough choice, as London’s cultural richness provides something for everyone. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the familiarity of their native countries.
– **Southall** in West London is a center for the South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its lively Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
These are merely a few instances of London’s diverse cultural landscape, which renders the city uniquely inviting.
### Discovering Your Ideal Location
Ultimately, the best area to live in London relies on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing options, its cultural neighborhoods, or the accessibility of its transport networks, London has a little something for everyone.
As I progress through my journey in this extraordinary city, I’ve grown to value its diversity, vibrancy, and limitless opportunities. Embracing London’s distinct character has made my time here truly memorable.
*By Guest Contributor*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*