**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Lessons Learned**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity to gain several meaningful insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its extensive history and cultural richness but also for its diverse housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, from student housing to private rentals, featuring choices like ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment visits is fairly simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online. These websites offer comprehensive details about amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and other crucial attributes, facilitating the process of finding an ideal home.
### Locating the Ideal Living Space
When I commenced my housing search, my goal was to rent a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social scenes, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—including the Underground (widely referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which makes traveling between these zones effortless.
To mitigate travel expenses, which can reach up to £5.25 daily for inter-zone commutes, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. Nevertheless, for traveling to the university, the Oyster card has been incredibly beneficial, significantly lowering travel costs. Besides the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services expand into regions beyond Central London, although fares fluctuate based on distance and the train operator’s pricing model.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near famous attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share accommodation with a friend, which led to considerable savings on rent. Moreover, I selected intercollegiate student housing, providing opportunities to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is more challenging to replicate in private rentals.
### The Value of Being Close to Essentials
For me, living in proximity to grocery stores was a crucial factor. Popular supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while inexpensive alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to students aiming to economize. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, has proven highly convenient, especially during exam times when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be challenging, given the city’s cultural richness. The ethnic communities within London are a key component of its identity, showcasing a variety of lively neighbourhoods that embody the city’s multicultural essence.
For instance, Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown in the bustling West End of London is a busy district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods furnish a sense of familiarity and community for international students looking to stay connected to their cultural roots.
### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its lively atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for a home here is to embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinct neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the remarkable opportunities it presents.
London is an unmatched city, and living here has been an extraordinary journey.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*