**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of living in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant insights into the lifestyle of this dynamic city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich assortment of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an array of housing solutions, including student accommodations and private rentals. These options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, whereas international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to assess potential lodging online. These sites offer information about amenities and access to public transport, streamlining the search process.
### Discovering a Space to Call Home
When I initiated my search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Residing near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a superb public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy commutes between zones.
To economize on travel expenses, I elected to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, but using an Oyster card greatly minimizes commuting costs. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking areas outside central London. Nonetheless, fares for these services vary depending on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a friend, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was a vital consideration. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
### Selecting the Right District
Choosing a district in London can be daunting given the city’s vastness and diversity. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural identity, offering distinctive neighbourhoods that mirror their heritage.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End of London presents a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods provide international students with a sense of familiarity and a connection to their home cultures.
### Embracing London’s Multiculturalism
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London is contingent on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural neighborhoods, its bustling central areas, or quieter suburban locales, London has something to offer everyone.
As you navigate your search for a new home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its diverse accommodation possibilities, immerse yourself in its cultural abundance, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*