**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. While this may not appear to be an extended period, it has provided me with several meaningful insights about life in this lively and multicultural city. London is renowned not just for its deep-rooted history and famous attractions, but also for its diverse accommodation types and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents an array of options, from student residences to private lodgings, such as ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is relatively simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online. These sites offer comprehensive information regarding amenities, transportation accessibility, and other crucial details, streamlining the search process significantly.
### Locating Your Ideal Home
As I initiated my hunt for a living space, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, lively areas, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. The city is categorized into six concentric areas, with zones one and two considered the most central. London’s outstanding transport system, which encompasses the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation between zones.
To minimize travel expenses—given that inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 daily—I preferred to cover shorter distances on foot rather than using public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical choice. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing regions outside central London. However, the fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing strategies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, yet it also entails increased living expenses. To better manage costs, I opted to share accommodation with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This arrangement considerably lowered our rent. I chose to live in intercollegiate student housing as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more challenging to find in private residences.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was a must-have. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prevalent. Proximity to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic periods like exam time.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood can be overwhelming, given London’s vastness and variety. The city’s ethnic groups are a crucial aspect of its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students tend to settle in areas that mirror the familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End presents a bustling area of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural gems that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Adapting to London Life
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural richness, its practicality, or its energetic social atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone. As you embark on your quest for a residence, take the opportunity to discover the city’s diverse array of accommodation choices and neighborhoods. Living in London is a thrilling adventure, and embracing its diversity will enhance your experience considerably.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*