**Experiencing London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*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 duration, it has been sufficient to collect some essential insights regarding living in this dynamic city. London boasts not only diversity in its housing options but also in the communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide array of accommodation possibilities, spanning from student housing to private rentals, including options such as ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom for virtual accommodation explorations. These websites offer comprehensive details about facilities and closeness to public transit, facilitating the process significantly.
### Discovering Your Future Home
When I initiated my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social areas, and most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes navigating across zones straightforward.
Nonetheless, the costs of travel can accumulate swiftly. For example, traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than using public transportation. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly alternative. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones. Fares for these services vary according to distance and the fare structure set by the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers benefits but also comes with high living expenses. To help manage costs, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly lessened our rental payments. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, which allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something more challenging in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are perfect for students aiming to save. Having essential shops and pharmacies nearby is particularly beneficial during hectic times such as exam periods, conserving both time and effort.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a formidable challenge, given the city’s extensive cultural diversity. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward locales that evoke the familiarity of their home nations. For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its prominent South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that render London distinctive.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied accommodation possibilities, its cultural depth, or its convenience, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the adventure of finding your perfect home, explore the city’s lively neighborhoods, and relish the unmatched experience of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*