**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. While it may not appear to be a considerable duration, I’ve gained a substantial understanding of the city and its distinctive essence. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also because of the various communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous choices, including student residences, private lodgings, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is relatively easy, but international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse housing options online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities, proximity to public transportation, and other critical factors, simplifying the quest for an appropriate living space.
When I launched my search for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s exceptional public transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates relatively easy navigation. However, traveling between zones can become pricey, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To minimize expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transit. For more extended commutes, I found that using an Oyster card was a budget-friendly option.
For those venturing beyond the central zones, the London Overground and National Rail services broaden the city’s scope. These services link to areas outside the Underground’s reach, but ticket prices fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of different train companies. While Central London affords unmatched access to attractions, living costs can be quite steep. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental expenditures.
I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as I wished to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges. Such connections would have been more challenging to foster in private accommodations.
Proximity to grocery stores was another significant consideration for me. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies proved essential, especially during exam periods when time is limited.
Choosing the ideal neighborhood for living is a complex choice. London’s rich cultural diversity is echoed in its numerous ethnic communities, which enhance the city’s lively character. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that provide a sense of familiarity. For example, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods are just a few instances of the cultural wealth London possesses.
Ultimately, the choice of the best area to reside in hinges on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new place to call home or simply discovering the city, London’s varied accommodation offerings, cultural neighborhoods, and lively atmosphere make it an extraordinary place to reside.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*