**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. Although this timeframe might seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to gather insightful experiences about life in this lively city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant cultural communities. Students particularly have a plethora of options for accommodation. Choices span from student housing to private rentals, featuring ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is straightforward, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine their prospective homes online, review facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transportation.
As I commenced my search for a living space, my priority was securing a room in Central London. I sought to be near major landmarks, social venues, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s superb transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. However, commuting between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transportation. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card was a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground system, serving outer zones, although ticket prices differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also steep living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which notably lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a dynamic that is often less accessible in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another essential factor for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital shops and pharmacies is especially convenient during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a range of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is adored for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling nexus of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods merely scratch the surface of the rich diversity that London presents.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re navigating the city’s diverse accommodation options, engaging in its cultural enclaves, or relishing its convenience and vibrancy, London is a city that caters to everyone.
**By Guest Blogger**
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*