**Nine Months in London: Insights from a Student’s Viewpoint**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient for me to gain extensive insights into life in this dynamic metropolis. London is not only famous for its varied housing options but also for the rich blend of communities it houses. For students, the city presents a vast array of choices, ranging from student accommodations to private living arrangements, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment tours is simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually explore housing options. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities and distance to public transportation, streamlining the planning process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I was enthusiastic about renting a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an exceptional transportation system, comprising the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation among the zones.
To reduce travel expenses—since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthy commutes, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly choice. Besides the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond Central London, with ticket prices varying according to distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London, however, comes at a significant cost. To keep expenses in check, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lessened our rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic that would have been more challenging to find in private accommodations.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Being near grocery stores was a key consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students wanting to economize. Proximity to essential outlets, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor due to the city’s cultural richness. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its character, offering a multitude of distinctive neighbourhoods to discover.
For example, Southall in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown in the West End is a lively district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods present international students with a sense of familiarity and connection to their roots.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, its convenient transport connections, or its varied housing alternatives, London has something for everyone.
Living in this extraordinary city has been a fulfilling journey, and I urge anyone looking for a residence here to embrace its diversity and vibrancy. From the ease of its amenities to the thrill of its cultural districts, London undoubtedly possesses a distinctive allure that renders it an unforgettable place to call home.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*