**Living in London: A Journey of Nine Months Filled with Discovery**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, it has offered me ample opportunity to dive into the city’s lively culture and gain valuable insights into life here. London is an active metropolis, providing not just a diverse range of living arrangements but also a rich array of communities. For students, the city boasts numerous housing options, from student residences to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging in-person viewings for apartments is quite simple. In contrast, international students often utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for accommodation online. These resources offer comprehensive details regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial information, enhancing the accessibility of the process.
### Locating Your New Home
When I initiated my hunt for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to major attractions, social hotspots, and my university campus at 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 (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—making it relatively easy to navigate between these zones.
To minimize travel costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying solely on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily, so reducing these expenses was vital. For commuting to university, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, offering a budget-friendly alternative for students. Additionally, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside Central London. However, fares for these services vary based on distance and the operating company.
Living in Central London offers various advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. To control costs, I decided to share a room with a fellow student. This significantly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse cultures and similar age ranges—an experience that private rentals may not provide as readily.
### Importance of Convenience
For me, being close to grocery stores was crucial. London hosts a mix of supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to these shops and pharmacies was incredibly valuable, particularly during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Picking the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood can be quite overwhelming. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting a wealth of diverse areas to discover. Many international students tend to choose neighbourhoods that mirror the culture and comfort of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods merely scratch the surface of the city’s rich cultural mosaic.
### Celebrating London’s Variety
Ultimately, the ideal location to live in London will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to cultural enclaves, the convenience of Central London, or the affordability of outer zones, this city has something to offer for everyone.
As I contemplate my time here, I have grown to value the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, its vibrant communities, and the convenience of its infrastructure. Residing in London has been an exhilarating and gratifying journey, and I eagerly anticipate exploring even more about this extraordinary city in the months ahead.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*