**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. While this may not appear to be an extensive period, it has sufficed for me to collect some significant observations about living in this dynamic city. London is not just recognized for its varied accommodation options but also for the rich blend of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide array of housing selections, from student accommodations to private rentals. Available options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for prospective accommodations online. These platforms provide information about amenities, distances to public transport, and other vital details.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
During my quest for accommodation, I prioritized securing a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—featuring the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can set you back up to £5.25 daily, but discounted Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided an opportunity to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something more challenging with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being in close proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly beneficial during hectic periods like exam times.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming, given the city’s diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a range of distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a selection of the city’s rich cultural hubs.
### Concluding Remarks
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the cultural diversity of particular neighbourhoods or the convenience of central locations, London has something for everyone. My recommendation? Embrace the city’s variety, delve into its cultural wealth, and seize the opportunities this extraordinary metropolis has to offer.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*