**Thoughts on Nine Months in London: A Student’s View**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Though this duration may not sound extensive, it has sufficiently allowed me to appreciate the distinctive liveliness of this metropolis. London serves not only as a center for diverse housing possibilities but also as a blend of cultures and communities. For students, this city presents a multitude of options regarding accommodation—spanning from student housing to private rentals, offering ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently arrange for in-person visits, international students frequently depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore listings, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
As I initiated my quest for accommodation, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. My intention was to remain near significant landmarks, social hubs, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transport system—including the Underground (commonly called the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement between the zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a financially savvy option. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, linking outer zones to the city center. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, yet it also presents challenges—most notably, the elevated cost of living. To keep expenses manageable, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This setup significantly lowered our rental costs. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic that’s often harder to discover in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another vital aspect of my decision. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while low-cost alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical selections. Living near essential shops, including pharmacies, proved to be a time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood in London is no straightforward feat. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural character, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that echo the familiarity of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Likewise, Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, located at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a few examples of the cultural richness that London has to present.
In the end, the ideal location to reside in London relies on your personal requirements and preferences. Whether you are attracted to the cultural richness of specific areas or the convenience of central locations, London’s housing options accommodate a wide variety of tastes. Embrace the diversity, wander through the city’s unique quarters, and relish the excitement of living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*