**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Review**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire some significant perspectives about the city. London is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, presenting not only a wide array of housing options but also a rich blend of communities. For students, the city offers an abundance of living arrangements, spanning from student housing to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. While domestic students can readily organize in-person property viewings, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge their distance to public transportation links.
When I initiated my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near popular sites, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones. Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly; for example, inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than using public transport. For lengthier commutes, I discovered that employing an Oyster card considerably lowered travel fares. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, linking outer areas to the city center. Travel fares on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing model set by the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also presents challenges—primarily the steep cost of living. To counter this, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement significantly reduced our rent expenses. I also made the choice to live in intercollegiate student accommodation, as I desired to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—an experience that private housing might not provide as easily.
One of my top considerations when selecting a place to reside was closeness to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely accessible. Living near essential shops and pharmacies turned out to be a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic exam phases when every moment matters.
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor, given the city’s expanse and diversity. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing a distinctive sense of familiarity for international students. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its lively Afro-Caribbean heritage and music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End showcases a vibrant selection of Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the city’s rich cultural hubs.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London depends on your unique preferences and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the convenience of Central London, the affordability of outer zones, or the cultural vibrancy of specific neighborhoods, London has something for everyone. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this exceptional city, take the opportunity to investigate its diverse housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural wealth, and relish the thrill of living in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*