**Experiencing Life in London: Nine Months of Discoveries and Lessons**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it has been sufficient to gain extensive insights into this vibrant city. London is celebrated not only for its wide range of housing choices but also for its lively communities. Students here enjoy a plethora of options, from student housing to private rentals, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For local students, arranging viewings is simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge their distance from public transport.
At the beginning of my accommodation search, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near major attractions, social hubs, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an efficient transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates movement between zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To cut down on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides students with more economical travel solutions. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the pricing system of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university alongside a friend, so we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. London presents a selection of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time and proves especially handy during exam periods when every moment is valuable.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its various ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. Numerous international students gravitate towards neighbourhoods that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its dynamic South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods exemplify just a few of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you value proximity to your university, cultural familiarity, or affordability, London provides a multitude of options to cater to every lifestyle. Embrace the city’s diversity, discover its cultural neighbourhoods, and fully enjoy the convenience and excitement that London has in store.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*