**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Almost nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to acquire significant knowledge about life in this dynamic city. London serves as a crossroads of cultures and communities, presenting a vast selection of housing options for students. Ranging from student housing to private rentals, there’s a fit for everyone’s tastes, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is easy, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and review distances to public transport.
As I initiated my search for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain close to key landmarks, lively social spots, and, most critically, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s robust transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between zones. However, traveling between zones can incur high costs, with daily expenses hitting up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than use public transit. For longer journeys, the Oyster card demonstrated to be a budget-friendly alternative. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to locations outside the inner zones, though ticket prices differ depending on the distance and train provider.
Residing in Central London brings the advantage of proximity to renowned attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it provided an opportunity to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic less frequently found in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, whereas budget-conscious choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops and pharmacies was invaluable, particularly during exam times when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s extensive cultural diversity. Many international students tend to settle in areas that exemplify their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End delivers a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of London’s multicultural areas.
Ultimately, the optimal spot to reside in London hinges on your personal inclinations and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied accommodation options, cultural richness, or accessible transport connections, London presents something for everyone. Embrace the adventure of discovering your new residence, investigate the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of this remarkable metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tags: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*