**Thoughts on Nine Months in London: A Student’s Viewpoint**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant perspectives on life within this dynamic city. London is famed not just for its varied housing options but also for the vibrant tapestry of communities that make it their home. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing selections, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple, but international students like myself often depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. These platforms enable potential renters to browse properties online, view amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
### Selecting the Right Living Space
When I commenced my search for a place to live, I was determined to rent a room in Central London. Being near significant sights, social centers, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
To cut travel expenses (which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys), I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transit. For longer trips, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card greatly diminished travel costs. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach further than the Underground system, offering wider coverage. However, fares for these services vary depending on distance and particular train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with increased living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also in university. This setup allowed us to save considerably on rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided a chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that private housing might not have afforded.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students aiming to save money. Having essential stores like pharmacies within reach proved invaluable, especially during exam times when every moment counts.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Communities
Selecting the perfect neighborhood in London can be a challenging task, given the city’s astonishing diversity. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural makeup, and numerous international students gravitate towards areas that offer familiarity.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean roots and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are just a few representatives of the city’s rich cultural clusters.
### Maximizing Your London Experience
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse accommodation possibilities, its cultural communities, or its unmatched convenience, London has something for everyone. My suggestion to anyone seeking a home here is to embrace the city’s diversity, explore its distinct neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*