**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Though this may not appear to be a significant duration, it has provided me with ample opportunities to glean insights about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is famed not just for its varied housing options but also for the intricate blend of communities that inhabit it. For scholars, the city presents an abundance of living arrangements, from student accommodations to private leases. Choices vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. While domestic students can conveniently organize in-person viewings, international students typically depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to survey properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider accessibility to public transport.
As I initiated my hunt for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six layered zones, with the first two being the most central. London possesses an exceptional public transport system, featuring the Underground (known as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily fares climbing to £5.25. To economize on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transportation. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card has proven to be invaluable, providing reduced fares for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, linking outer zones. Prices for these services vary based on distance and the pricing scheme of the train operator.
Residing in Central London, however, carries a considerable expense. To keep expenses manageable, I chose to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, which enabled me to engage with peers from different backgrounds and comparable age groups—a dynamic that is more challenging to find in private leasing.
Proximity to grocery shops was another essential consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students on limited budgets. Living close to essential stores, including pharmacies, was invaluable, especially during exam times when every moment counts.
Choosing the appropriate locality in London can be an overwhelming task. The city’s ethnic communities form a fundamental aspect of its cultural diversity, providing a host of distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that echo the comforts of their native countries. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, which includes Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These areas are merely a handful of examples of the city’s cultural enclaves.
In the end, the ideal place to call home in London is contingent on personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural richness, its accessible transport networks, or its lively social atmosphere, London offers something to suit everyone. Embrace the diversity of housing options, discover the city’s unique neighbourhoods, and immerse yourself in the thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*