**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear lengthy, it has provided ample opportunity to gain a few significant insights into life within this lively city. London is renowned not only for its diverse selection of housing but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide variety of living arrangements, from student residences to private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly arrange in-person viewings, yet international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be in close proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation between zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily fares escalating to £5.25. To economize, I often chose to walk short distances rather than use public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be an economical option. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside Central London. Travel expenses on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the operating corporation.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living costs. To manage these expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also pursuing higher education. This setup notably lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation because it provided a chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that might have been more challenging to obtain through private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another critical consideration for me. London boasts a plethora of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near these stores, along with pharmacies, turned out to be a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich amalgamation of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke the essence of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is celebrated for its thriving South Asian community, filled with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and ethnic clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is prominent for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, provides a bustling hub of Chinese establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are merely a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural centers.
In conclusion, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its contemporary conveniences, London presents a multitude of accommodation choices to fulfill every requirement. Embrace the diversity, explore the neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the thrill of this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*