**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insight on Accommodations and Life**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While it may not seem like an extended duration, it has been sufficient for me to gather significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is not merely a center of various housing options but also a confluence of communities from across the globe. For students, the city provides an array of housing alternatives, spanning from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is comparatively simple. However, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, I was eager to find a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social scenes, and my university at Imperial College was essential. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card system has significantly alleviated commuting expenses for students. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services link areas beyond the central zones, though costs vary by distance and provider.
Living in Central London, however, carries a considerable cost. To keep expenses manageable, my friend and I opted to share a room, allowing us to save considerably on rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing, as it offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that private rentals might lack.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was a crucial aspect. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly available, while cost-effective options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores and pharmacies is particularly advantageous during hectic times, like exam periods, when every moment is valuable.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities reflect its rich cultural tapestry, providing an array of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to settle in areas that resonate with the familiarity of their native countries.
– **Southall** in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings.
These are merely a few instances of the culturally vibrant neighborhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on personal inclinations and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied housing options, its cultural neighborhoods, or the convenience of its transportation systems, London has something to present everyone. My suggestion? Celebrate the diversity, delve into the richness of the city’s neighborhoods, and maximize your experience in this outstanding metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*