**Living in London: Nine Months of Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe may seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to gain valuable insights about living in this dynamic city. London is recognized not only for its wide array of housing options but also for the diverse and vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a multitude of accommodation choices, ranging from student housing to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly uncomplicated. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate possible accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and consider their distance to public transport links.
### Discovering a Place to Live
As I initiated my quest for a residence, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to major attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College were my primary concerns. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city boasts an excellent transport network—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy navigation. Nevertheless, travelling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport.
For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fare options, making commutes to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside of central London. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails steep living expenses. To curb costs, I shared a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a social atmosphere that private rentals might lack.
### Access to Essentials
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to students aiming to cut costs. Proximity to crucial stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be overwhelming due to the city’s size and variety. The ethnic communities in London form an integral part of its cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward regions that mirror the familiarity of their home countries.
For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its expansive South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods exemplify just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Closing Thoughts
The ideal location to live in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural richness, its accessible transport options, or its lively social atmosphere, London has something to offer for everyone. As you hunt for your new residence, take the opportunity to appreciate the variety of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the vibrancy of life in this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*