**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*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 important lessons about life in this dynamic and multifaceted city. London is renowned not just for its rich heritage and culture, but also for its diverse housing options and lively communities. For students, the city presents a plethora of choices, from student housing to private rentals, covering ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
Home students find that scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover housing options online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities and closeness to public transport, facilitating advanced planning.
When I commenced my search for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near major landmarks, social spots, and crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport system—which includes the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs climbing up to £5.25. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card has proven invaluable, providing fare discounts for students.
In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the central zones. Although fares for these services differ based on distance and operator, they offer a practical means to discover the outskirts of the city.
Residing in Central London comes with advantages but also steep living expenses. To manage costs, I opted to share a room with a classmate attending university as well. This decision greatly lowered our rent. I chose to live in intercollegiate student accommodations because I desired to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that’s less common in private rentals.
A top priority for me was being nearby grocery stores. London features a range of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland being quite popular. Being close to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during hectic times, such as exam periods, when time management is crucial.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood to live in is quite challenging. London’s multicultural neighborhoods are a vital component of its allure, providing a rich array of experiences. Many international students tend to favor areas that remind them of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its lively South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and bustling music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a vibrant center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods exemplify London’s varied cultural neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural vibrancy, its convenience, or its distinctive neighborhoods, London has something to cater to everyone. Celebrate the diversity, investigate the possibilities, and maximize your experience in this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*