**Insights from Nine Months in London: A Student Living Guide**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I started my experience of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic and multifaceted city. London is renowned not only for its extensive range of housing types but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wealth of housing options, from student residences to private rentals that include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is quite simple. In contrast, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities and closeness to public transport, simplifying the search process considerably.
### Locating the Ideal Living Space
As I initiated my search, my primary focus was on securing a room in Central London. Staying near main attractions, social hotspots, and my university at Imperial College was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones. However, moving between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport.
For students, the Oyster card proves to be invaluable, offering discounted travel options for university commutes. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central London, although ticket prices for these options vary based on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London, while advantageous, can be costly. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow student. This decision considerably lowered our rent. I also decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, which provided a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a connection that is often more difficult to forge with private rentals.
### Importance of Location for Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was an essential consideration. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-conscious choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students with limited finances. Being situated near vital stores, including pharmacies, conserves time and energy, especially during hectic times like examinations.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities are an integral part of its cultural richness, showcasing an array of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to settle in areas that reflect the familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End bustles with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods exemplify just a fraction of the cultural enclaves that render London truly unique.
### Concluding Remarks
In the end, the ideal living area in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether your focus is on being close to your university, finding budget-friendly options, or seeking cultural resonance, London has a wealth of choices available. Embrace the city’s diverse accommodation offerings, delve into its vibrant cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of existence in one of the globe’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*