### Nine Months in London: Valuable Insights
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive period, it has afforded me significant understanding of life in this dynamic city. London showcases not only a variety of housing options but also a mix of communities that inhabit it. Students here enjoy a wide array of choices, from student accommodations to private lodgings. Options encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, individual and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is a seamless process, while international students can use platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate future housing, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
### Securing the Ideal Living Space
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be close to key attractions, social venues, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s outstanding transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To economize on travel, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For university travels, oyster card options greatly lessen travel expenses. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London; however, costs for these services can fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London entails high living costs, but I was able to cut down on rent by sharing a room with a friend who was also studying at the university. Moreover, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that private housing might not have provided.
### Accessibility to Basics
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, whereas budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to crucial stores, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous, especially during exam times when time is scarce.
### Selecting the Right Community
Choosing a neighborhood in London isn’t a straightforward task. The city’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that reflect their native cultures.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End provides a lively hub of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. These neighborhoods are merely a glimpse into London’s cultural diversity.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London depends on individual interests and priorities. Whether you are in search of a new home or simply discovering the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s living options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*