**Nine Months in London: Reflections from a Student on Housing and Living**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear lengthy, it has been sufficient to acquire invaluable perspectives on life within this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its varied accommodation possibilities but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, encompassing ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging a viewing for an apartment is quite hassle-free. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online. These websites offer comprehensive details about facilities and closeness to public transport, enhancing the ease of the search process.
When I commenced my hunt for a residence, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College, was a primary consideration for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s vast transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across zones.
Nevertheless, transportation costs can accumulate swiftly. For example, inter-zonal travel can charge as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often walked shorter distances instead of relying on public transportation. For longer journeys, an Oyster card proved to be an economical choice. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside the city center. Travel fares on these services differ based on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I chose to share a room with a university friend. This decision greatly lowered our rental fees. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I desired to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that private rentals might not facilitate as efficiently.
Location near grocery stores was another crucial element for me. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those seeking more economical options, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present excellent alternatives. Living close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saved me precious time, especially during exam seasons.
Choosing the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be daunting, considering London’s immense and varied landscape. The city’s ethnic groups are an integral aspect of its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music environment. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End presents a lively blend of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
In the end, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you are drawn to cultural hubs or the convenience of central areas, London has something to offer for everyone. Embrace the city’s diversity, discover its remarkable neighborhoods, and fully capitalize on the incredible opportunities it provides.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*