**Nine Months in London: A Student’s View on Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive time, it has provided me ample opportunity to discover much about this energetic city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing options but also for the extensive array of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents numerous housing choices, from student accommodations to private rentals. Available options consist of ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. While home students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. My aim was to remain near major landmarks, social gathering spots, and, crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation system—including the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily expenses reaching up to £5.25. To reduce expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that Oyster cards considerably lowered travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside Central London. Travel expenses on these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of the respective company operating them.
Residing in Central London, though, comes with a hefty price. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which significantly decreased our rent. I opted to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic harder to achieve in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another critical factor for me. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely found. Living close to essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies turned out to be an enormous time-saver, particularly during exam seasons when every second is crucial.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London isn’t a straightforward task. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting an array of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students lean towards areas that reflect the culture of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is celebrated for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. In contrast, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the rich cultural diversity that London provides.
In conclusion, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its lively student accommodations, or the convenience of being near vital amenities, London caters to everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore the richness of its neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*