**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to grasp several important insights about life in this lively city. London is not only recognized for its varied housing alternatives but also for its extensive and multicultural populations. For students, the city provides an abundance of living options, from student housing to private leases, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule in-person viewings for apartments, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport systems.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my search for housing, my focus was on securing a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy navigation between these zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can become expensive, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To economize on travel, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly solution.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, providing further connectivity. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing structure of the operating entity.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which drastically lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it presented the chance to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar age brackets—an aspect more challenging to obtain with private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. London boasts a vast selection of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is exceptionally convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a multitude of vibrant districts. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that echo the culture and familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London is acclaimed for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a handful of examples of London’s rich cultural diversity.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you emphasize proximity to your university, budget considerations, or cultural resonance, the city has something to offer everyone. Embrace the variety of London’s housing choices, explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, and immerse yourself in the thrill and convenience of this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*