**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Learnings**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I initiated my adventure of residing in London. While this timeframe might not appear extensive, it has certainly afforded me the opportunity to uncover a wealth of knowledge about this lively and ever-evolving city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich fabric of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, ranging from student residences to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite straightforward, but international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate prospective places to live online. These platforms furnish comprehensive information about amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial details.
### Securing a Home
As I began my hunt for accommodation, I focused on locating a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social centers, and my university campus at Imperial College was a priority. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the closest to the center. The superb transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across the zones.
Nonetheless, transport costs can accumulate rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To cut back on expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transit. For longer journeys, I discovered that opting for an Oyster card significantly curbed my travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing wider coverage with varying fares based on distance and train operator pricing.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also presents challenges, especially with the hefty living expenses. To cope with costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow university friend. This setup enabled us to divide the rent and achieve substantial savings. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to connect with peers from different backgrounds and of similar ages—a combination not easily found in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was a major concern. London boasts a multitude of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores and pharmacies turned out to be invaluable, especially during hectic times like exam periods. It saved me time and made errands much more manageable.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Richness
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor, given the city’s astonishing diversity. The ethnic communities of London are fundamental to its cultural fabric, offering a vibrant mix of traditions, cuisines, and experiences.
Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that echo the familiarity of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is famed for its substantial South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, retail shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s cultural hubs.
### Finding the Ideal Place
In the end, the perfect place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the borough’s cultural diversity, its wide array of accommodation choices, or its convenience and vibrancy, London offers something for everyone.
For those about to embark on their quest for a home in this extraordinary city, I invite you to embrace its diversity, delve into its unique neighborhoods, and capitalize on the opportunities it presents. Living in London is an exciting journey, with each day unveiling new experiences and insights.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*