**Nine Months in London: Lessons Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Almost nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful understanding of life in this lively city. London is famed not only for its varied accommodation options but also for the multicultural communities that make it their home. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing possibilities, from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is simple, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to peruse accommodations online. These websites offer information about amenities and closeness to public transport, facilitating the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my quest for a residence, I concentrated on Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes it convenient to traverse between zones.
However, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly, with inter-zonal travel costing as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For lengthier journeys, an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly solution. Aside from the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the central zones, although fares differ based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also steep living costs. To control expenses, I shared a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that’s trickier to find in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was a key consideration. Popular supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland suit students seeking to save money. Being near essential stores and pharmacies was invaluable, especially during hectic exam periods when time is precious.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic communities, which infuse liveliness into its numerous neighbourhoods. For international students, these regions often provide a reassuring sense of familiarity.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center for Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few instances of the cultural enclaves that make London special.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing options, its cultural depth, or the ease of its transport connections, London has something tailored for everyone.
For those on the lookout for a new home in this outstanding city, I urge you to welcome its diversity, discover its vibrant neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities it presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*