**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I initiated my experience of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire some insightful revelations about living in this lively city. London is not merely a center of varied living arrangements but also a fusion of cultures and communities. For students, the city provides an abundance of housing options, from student dorms to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. In contrast, international students can make use of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, view amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
### Locating a Place to Reside
When I started my search, my preference was to rent a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social centers, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that makes traveling between zones convenient.
To cut down on travel expenses, which can reach up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal trips, I opted to walk shorter distances over depending on public transport. For longer journeys, I found the Oyster card to be budget-friendly. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside Central London. However, prices for these services differ depending on distance and the train company in operation.
Living in Central London, though convenient, entails high living expenses. To alleviate this, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student living arrangements, as I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and comparable age groups—an aspect that private rentals might not easily provide.
### Accessibility to Basic Needs
For me, being near grocery stores was a crucial requirement. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores and pharmacies proved especially beneficial during exam periods, saving valuable time on errands.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a challenging endeavor, given the city’s extensive cultural diversity. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian population, providing Indian dining venues, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Remarks
The most suitable area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation selections, its cultural depth, or its practicality, London has something for everyone. Embrace the adventure of discovering your new residence, explore the city’s dynamic neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the allure of this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*