**Residing in London: Nine Months of Learnings**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Although this time frame isn’t particularly extensive, it has been sufficient for me to acquire several important insights about life in this dynamic city. London is not just varied in its communities and cultures, but also in its housing options. Particularly for students, there exists an extensive array of choices, from student residences to private lodgings. These encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate their future dwellings online. These platforms offer information regarding amenities, pricing, and closeness to public transportation, streamlining the search process considerably.
### Locating the Ideal Residence
When I initiated my search, my primary focus was to find a room in Central London. I sought proximity to major landmarks, bustling social spots, and crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport network—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel within these zones.
To economize on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. Inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day, yet discounted Oyster card options render commuting to university more cost-effective. For greater distances, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking areas outside of Central London. Nevertheless, fares for these modes differ based on the distance and the pricing model of the train operator.
Residing in Central London does present certain obstacles, particularly the steep living costs. To reduce expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This not only facilitated significant savings on rent but also enhanced the overall experience. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations due to the opportunity to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an endeavor more challenging with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being situated near grocery stores was of utmost importance. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For those seeking more economical options, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent substitutes. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously beneficial, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London can be a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, presenting a range of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. On the other hand, Chinatown in central London’s West End serves as a bustling nucleus of Chinese dining, retail, and cultural activities. These neighbourhoods represent just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The most suitable area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are navigating through the city’s diverse accommodation choices or immersing yourself in its cultural enclaves, London has something to cater to everyone. Embrace the depth of this extraordinary city, and relish in the convenience and vibrancy it provides.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*