**My Journey of Residing in London: Nine Months Later**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. While it might not seem lengthy, it has provided me with ample opportunities to discover and learn a lot about this dynamic city. London is famous not just for its varied living arrangements but also for the rich assortment of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a plethora of options ranging from student accommodations to private housing, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, yet international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These sites enable prospective tenants to browse listings online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London. My intention was to be near popular sights, social hotspots, and, most critically, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features a top-notch transport system that includes the Underground (popularly known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—since commuting between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has transformed my commuting experience, substantially decreasing my travel costs to university. For longer travels, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. The ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the company operating them.
Residing in Central London offers advantages like closeness to major attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. To keep costs in check, I opted to share a room with a friend, which provided us with considerable savings on rent. I also decided on intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a vibe that’s harder to find in private housing.
Another key consideration for me was living near grocery stores. Notable supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies has proven extremely handy, particularly during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s cultural variety. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its character, weaving together a diverse array of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center with Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods exemplify the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s variety of housing options, its cultural wealth, or its convenience, London presents something for everyone. Embrace the process of seeking your ideal home, explore the vibrant communities the city has to offer, and relish in the thrill of residing in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*