**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful experiences about living in this dynamic city. London is a vibrant blend of cultures, providing not just a variety of housing options but also an array of communities. For students, the city presents numerous choices, from student accommodations to private rentals, ranging from ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential places to live online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport options.
### Locating a Residence
At the start of my search for housing, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes traveling between zones convenient.
To cut down on travel expenses, which can soar up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal trips, I preferred to walk shorter distances whenever feasible. For longer journeys, the Oyster card has shown to be a budget-friendly alternative. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking areas outside of Central London. Nevertheless, ticket prices for these services differ based on the distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has its benefits but also comes with elevated living costs. To manage financials, a friend and I decided to share a room, which substantially decreased our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I sought to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience les likely in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students aiming to cut costs. Being close to necessary retailers, especially supermarkets and pharmacies, has saved me a lot of time, particularly during hectic exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities form the backbone of its cultural richness, presenting unique neighbourhoods that many international students find welcoming.
– **Southall (West London):** Renowned for its substantial South Asian community, Southall is home to Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton (South London):** Celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture.
– **Chinatown (West End):** A bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These examples illustrate just a fraction of London’s diverse cultural zones, each offering a sense of belonging and community.
### Welcoming London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re investigating housing options, immersing in cultural neighbourhoods, or navigating the city’s transport systems, London provides a captivating blend of convenience, diversity, and energy.
Living in this extraordinary city has been a fulfilling journey, and I am eager to explore more of what London has in store in the upcoming months.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*