**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a multitude of living alternatives, including student residences and private rentals. Available choices consist of ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can organize in-person viewings of apartments with ease, international students frequently depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and determine closeness to public transport.
As I initiated my hunt for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transport network—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—making movement between zones effortless. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares soaring up to £5.25. To manage travel costs, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transit. For longer trips, I discovered that the Oyster card was a budget-friendly option. Beyond the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services reach regions beyond central London, though ticket prices differ based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London, while practical, entails a steep cost. Fortunately, I managed to lower my rent significantly by sharing a room with a fellow university student. I selected intercollegiate student housing to fully engage with a community of peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been far more difficult to achieve in private accommodations.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. London hosts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, in addition to economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops and pharmacies proved to be a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood in London can be daunting, considering the city’s enormity and diversity. London’s ethnic communities form a fundamental part of its cultural fabric, providing a range of distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that mirror the culture of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few representations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to call home in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or just seeking to explore the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*