**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insights on Housing and Living**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I initiated my adventure of residing in London. Though this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient to acquire invaluable knowledge about life in this dynamic city. London is famed not just for its varied accommodation choices but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides plenty of options, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite straightforward. Meanwhile, international students frequently depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online. These websites offer comprehensive details about facilities and accessibility to public transport, simplifying the search process.
When I started my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near prominent attractions, social scenes, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London consists of six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that makes traveling between zones convenient. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, potentially costing up to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. For university travel, the Oyster card provides a more economical travel option. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones with varying fare systems based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to iconic sites, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To manage costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar ages—a combination that is tougher to find in private accommodations.
Closeness to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Popular supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely found, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies proved vital, especially during exam times when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are a vital component of its cultural landscape, providing a plethora of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students tend to favor areas that echo the familiarity of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of London’s vibrant cultural enclaves.
In the end, the ideal location to reside in London is contingent upon individual preferences and needs. Whether you’re in search of a new home or simply discovering the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s accommodation choices, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city presents.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*