**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to gain insights about this lively and multifaceted city. London boasts not only a rich historical background and cultural sites but also a multitude of housing alternatives and the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a plethora of options, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio flats, and house shares.
For international students, resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are essential tools, enabling them to discover potential housing online, verify available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation. On the other hand, domestic students often benefit from the ability to visit properties directly before finalizing their choice.
### Securing a Place to Reside
As I initiated my accommodation search, my goal was to find a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was significant for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, where Zones 1 and 2 are the most central. The metropolitan transport network—featuring the Underground (widely referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones.
Nevertheless, transportation expenses can accumulate rapidly. Traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I made a conscious choice to walk shorter distances whenever feasible. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides students with lower travel fares. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, granting access to areas outside Central London. Ticket prices for these services depend on the distance traveled and the train operator involved.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also entails high living costs. To cut down on rent, I arranged to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This setup proved financially beneficial. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, as it allowed me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Proximity to supermarkets was another crucial element in my decision-making. Well-known grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are superb for students aiming to economize. Living near essential stores and pharmacies was particularly advantageous during exam periods when time is scarce.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighborhoods
Selecting the right neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s rich cultural mosaic is evident in its numerous ethnic enclaves, each presenting a distinct community and identity.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its lively Afro-Caribbean culture and music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown in the bustling West End of London is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods afford international students a sense of familiarity and a link to their cultural roots.
### Concluding Remarks
Ultimately, the ideal residence in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its lively social landscape, London has something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for a home in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, explore the various accommodation choices available, and seize the exciting opportunities it presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*