**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. While it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire significant perspectives on life in this vibrant metropolis. London is renowned not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its lively and varied communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of selections, encompassing everything from student accommodations to private housing, including ensuite and shared restrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing options online. These sites offer information about amenities and location in relation to public transport, facilitating better planning.
### Securing a Place to Stay
During my search for a residence, I focused on locating a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s remarkable transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—allows easy movement across zones.
To reduce travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on public transport, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day. Nevertheless, discounted Oyster card options have made daily commuting to the university more economical. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, although ticket prices vary according to distance and train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails high living expenses. To keep costs down, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Furthermore, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a chance that’s often harder to achieve in private housing.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, being near grocery stores was a priority. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent for students. Having essential shops, including pharmacies, nearby is particularly handy during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vast cultural richness. Numerous international students find themselves drawn to areas that mirror their cultural backgrounds. For instance:
– **Southall (West London):** Renowned for its large South Asian population, it boasts Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton (South London):** Well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End):** A bustling area packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of London’s cultural enclaves, each adding to the city’s distinctive charm.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural variety, its convenience, or its energetic ambiance, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the wide range of accommodation choices, delve into the rich cultural neighborhoods, and make the most of your experience in this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*