### Thoughts on Nine Months of Residing in London
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set forth on my adventure of living in London. Though this span may appear brief, it has been ample time for me to acquire significant perspectives about life in this lively and multifaceted city. London is not merely a center of cultural and historical sites; it also presents a vast array of housing selections and flourishing communities that render it a distinctive location to inhabit, particularly for scholars.
### Locating Housing in London
London offers a plethora of housing options for scholars, from accommodation designed specifically for students to private leases. Choices encompass ensuite or shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, scheduling viewings in person is uncomplicated, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse listings online. These platforms supply extensive information regarding amenities and access to public transport, simplifying the search process.
When I initiated my search, I emphasized securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social areas, and my university campus at Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s robust public transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To economize on transport expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the Tube or bus. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical option.
London’s Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the city core. Nonetheless, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London presents its own difficulties, especially concerning the steep cost of living. To alleviate financial burdens, I opted to share a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. Furthermore, I selected intercollegiate student housing, which enabled me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a social atmosphere that can be challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, the importance of living in proximity to grocery stores was paramount. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly helpful, particularly during busy times such as exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be overwhelming, as the city’s cultural diversity provides a multitude of experiences. Numerous international students tend to favor areas that mirror the culture and familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is noted for its substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is praised for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining venues, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods represent just a fraction of the vibrant cultural fabric that London has to offer.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, diverse housing options, or its convenience and connectivity, London has something to offer everyone. My journey of living here has been both rewarding and thrilling, and I urge anyone on the lookout for a residence in this extraordinary city to embrace its diversity and discover all it has to offer.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*