**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries and Takeaways**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set off on my adventure of living in London. Although it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire several important lessons about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is not only celebrated for its wide variety of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Particularly for students, there’s an abundance of housing options available, from student residences to privately rented spaces. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bath arrangements, private accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. While local students can easily arrange in-person viewings of apartments, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse housing online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transit.
At the outset of my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain in close proximity to key attractions, social hubs, and, most significantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two constituting the heart of the city. London boasts an exceptional transportation system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates ease of movement across these zones. However, traveling between zones can incur high costs, with daily expenditures climbing as high as £5.25. To economize on travel expenses, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card proved invaluable, providing discounted fares for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the boundaries of the Underground network, linking outer zones with the city center. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the operating company.
Residing in Central London brings both advantages and hurdles, especially the steep cost of living. To alleviate financial burdens, I made the decision to share a room with a fellow university student. This setup significantly lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, wanting the chance to engage with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that private rentals might not have facilitated as easily.
The accessibility of grocery stores was another vital aspect of my decision-making. Among the most recognizable supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely favored. Living in proximity to essential retailers, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, has proven extremely practical, particularly during exam weeks when time is of the essence.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London represents a challenging yet essential choice. The city’s ethnic communities form a core element of its cultural character, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students lean towards areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton shines with its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown located in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas are merely a few illustrations of London’s cultural variety.
Ultimately, the most suitable neighborhood to reside in London depends on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are captivated by the city’s cultural enclaves or its lively central districts, London provides a multitude of housing choices that cater to every taste. Embrace the variety, discover the richness of its neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*