**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I initiated my experience of residing in London. Though this period may seem brief, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this lively city. London is famed not only for its varied housing choices but also for the energetic communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous living options, spanning from student residences to independent rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings for apartments, international students frequently depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to view accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and inspect proximity to public transport links.
When I started searching for a living space, my primary aim was to find a room in Central London. I wanted to remain close to key attractions, bustling social areas, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s superb public transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—enables easy movement across zones. However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, journeys between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. To economize, I often opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing public transport. For longer journeys, having an Oyster card was extremely beneficial, providing discounted fares for students. In addition to the Underground, services like London Overground and National Rail extend out to peripheral areas, with ticket prices varying according to distance and the train operator’s pricing scheme.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also steep living expenses. To alleviate costs, I chose to share a room with a friend who was also a student. This arrangement greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that is more challenging to discover in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. London provides a wide array of supermarkets, with well-known names like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For more economical options, Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland stand out as fantastic alternatives. Living near essential shops and pharmacies proved especially useful during hectic times, such as exam periods, when time becomes scarce.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a challenging endeavor. The city’s extensive cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each presenting a distinct experience. For example, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods offer a sense of familiarity for international students longing for a link to their home cultures.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are captivated by the city’s varied housing selections, cultural enclaves, or the ease of its transport network, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the city’s vibrancy, discover its distinctive neighbourhoods, and maximize your experience in this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*