**Experiencing Life in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Although this might appear to be a short duration, it has provided me with ample opportunity to discover a significant amount about this dynamic city. London is famous not only for its varied living arrangements but also for the vibrant mix of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, spanning from student residences to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings in person, international students often depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance to public transport.
In my search for housing, I focused on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near major landmarks, social centers, and most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable transport network, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between different zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, prompting me to walk short distances whenever feasible to cut down on expenses. For longer journeys, an Oyster card effectively lowers travel costs. In addition to the Underground, services like London Overground and National Rail reach areas outside central London, although fares depend on distance and the pricing policies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also involves substantial living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement allowed us to save significantly on rent. I chose to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers of various backgrounds and similar ages—something that private rentals might not facilitate as easily.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Popular supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide economical choices. Living close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies turned out to be a time-saver, particularly during hectic exam seasons.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are a core component of its cultural identity, weaving together a rich fabric of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students find themselves drawn to areas that mirror the culture of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is noted for its sizeable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End showcases a bustling enclave of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of the myriad cultural hotspots that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re navigating the city’s varied accommodation choices or immersing yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, London presents a distinctive combination of convenience, thrill, and depth. Embrace the process of discovering your new home in this extraordinary city, and relish all it has to offer.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*