**Life in London: Nine Months of Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though this may not seem extensive, it has been sufficient to gather significant observations about life in this dynamic city. London serves not only as a center of varied housing options but also as a cultural mosaic of communities from across the globe. For students, the city provides an abundance of housing choices, from student halls to private leases. Available options include rooms with ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently set up in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore housing virtually, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
As I initiated my search for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial College campus mattered to me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The excellent public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. However, traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, prompting me to walk shorter distances to economize on transport expenses. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card makes travel more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach places beyond the Underground network, covering surrounding areas outside Central London. Fares on these services vary depending on distance and individual train operator pricing.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with a steep cost of living. To mitigate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rental costs. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that can be more challenging with private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundant, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam sessions when time is limited.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of neighborhoods awaiting exploration. Many international students tend to settle in areas that resonate with their cultural backgrounds. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its lively South Asian community, full of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean vibe and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown nestled in the West End presents a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a glimpse into London’s rich cultural landscape.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is determined by your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its contemporary amenities, London provides a wide variety of accommodation choices to meet every requirement. Embrace the diversity, delve into the richness of its neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*