**Contemplations on Nine Months in London: A Student’s Viewpoint**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has certainly sufficed to dive into the city’s lively culture and glean several meaningful insights. London is celebrated not just for its varied housing options but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring options such as ensuite rooms, shared setups, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite manageable. In contrast, international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and check the distance to public transport links.
When I initiated my quest for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central ones. The city features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card greatly lowers travel fares for students.
Aside from the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services stretch to areas beyond central London, providing more travel alternatives. Nevertheless, fares for these services differ based on distance and train operators. Residing in Central London, while advantageous, carries a steep cost. To curb expenses, my friend and I opted to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also chose intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a mix less prevalent in private housing.
Closeness to grocery stores was another vital component in my decision-making process. Popular supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students with tighter finances. Living near key stores and pharmacies proved crucial, particularly during exam periods when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities play a critical role in its cultural essence, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to favor areas that mirror the familiarity of their native lands. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a lively center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of London’s diverse community neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. As you navigate your search for a new abode in this vibrant city, embrace the variety of its housing choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*