**Thoughts on Nine Months in London: A Student’s Viewpoint**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may not appear extensive, it has been ample time for me to discover and engage with much of what this vibrant city offers. London is celebrated not only for its varied living arrangements but also for the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, there is a wealth of housing options, from student residences to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. In contrast, international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These sites offer information on amenities and access to public transport, facilitating the search.
As I began my quest for accommodation, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. I wanted to be near major attractions, social centers, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, making travel between zones relatively straightforward.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly, particularly for inter-zonal journeys, which may cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transportation. For longer journeys, I discovered that using Oyster cards considerably lowered travel costs. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend outside the Underground network, providing connections to outer zones. Prices for these services differ based on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also results in elevated living expenses. To manage costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This collaboration significantly reduced our rent. I decided to live in intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prevalent. Living close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saved me precious time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can pose a difficult choice. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, offering a range of distinctive neighborhoods to explore. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the heart of the West End, presents a vibrant selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
In the end, the best place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you’re searching for a new home or merely discovering the city, London’s diversity, cultural wealth, and extensive range of housing options create an exciting and fulfilling environment to call home.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*