**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on the adventure of living in London. Although this duration may appear brief, the journey has imparted extensive knowledge about life in this lively and multicultural city. London serves not merely as a center of cultural and historical significance; it also provides various housing options and flourishing communities. Be you a student or a working professional, the city caters to all.
For students, the array of housing alternatives is significant. Options range from student accommodations to private rentals, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently view apartments in person, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online. These sites offer information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the search process.
When I initiated my search for a place to live, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. Residing centrally allowed for easy access to major attractions, social scenes, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can incur significant costs, amounting to £5.25 daily. To mitigate travel costs, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, utilizing an Oyster card significantly lessened expenses.
Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground reach, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for such services differ based on the distance and the fare structure of the operating company. While Central London living can be expensive, sharing a room with a friend allowed me to save considerably on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic typically more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores played another crucial role in my decision-making. London houses an array of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to essential stores proved invaluable, especially during hectic times like exam season, as it conserved time on errands.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is a demanding yet fulfilling endeavor. The city’s rich cultural diversity is evident in its ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End offers a bustling environment with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods provide a sense of familiarity for international students while reflecting London’s multicultural essence.
In the end, the best place to reside in London is contingent upon your personal requirements and interests. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central conveniences, London presents a multitude of options waiting to be explored. Embrace the diversity, immerse yourself in the city’s lively communities, and relish the thrill of calling one of the world’s most extraordinary cities home.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*