**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though it may not feel like an extended duration, it has been sufficient to acquire significant experiences about life in this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its varied housing possibilities but also for the intricate weave of communities that inhabit it. Students specifically have a multitude of housing options available, spanning from student residences to private leases. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, both private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate facilities, and verify proximity to public transport routes.
As I initiated my housing search, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to reside near major landmarks, social centers, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s exceptional transportation system—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. However, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances to economize. For longer travels, the Oyster card became essential in minimizing travel expenses. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing access to regions outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of the operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I made the decision to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled at university. This greatly lowered our accommodation rates. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an environment that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another important consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those aiming to economize on necessities. Residing close to these stores, alongside pharmacies, was particularly helpful during busy times such as exam periods.
Selecting the right area to live in London can be quite overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a range of distinctive neighbourhoods. A significant number of international students tend to gravitate towards areas that resonate with their home cultures. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of London’s rich cultural mosaic.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal inclinations and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new place to stay or simply exploring the city, embrace the variety of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*