**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I initiated my adventure of residing in London. Though this may appear brief, it has been sufficient to acquire valuable insights about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its versatile accommodation options but also for the vibrant mix of communities that inhabit it. Students can find a wide array of housing choices, ranging from student residences to privately rented options, including ensuite rooms, shared apartments, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings in person, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
When I started my quest for housing, my emphasis was on locating a room in Central London. My intention was to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts a superb transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that allows for easy movement between zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transit. For trips to university, an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail systems extend beyond the Underground, providing wider coverage. However, ticket prices on these services differ based on distance and the operator’s pricing model.
Residing in Central London offers the benefit of proximity to major sights but also brings higher living expenses. To manage costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with classmates from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a community often missing in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was another key consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students looking to cut costs. Living close to essential shops and pharmacies proved notably advantageous during hectic periods, such as exam times.
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite a challenge. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural richness, contributing to a variety of distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few instances of the cultural enclaves that make London unique.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent on your specific requirements and interests. Whether you’re investigating the city’s multifaceted accommodation selections, engaging in its cultural communities, or appreciating the convenience of its outstanding transport connections, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, richness, and allure of this extraordinary city as you search for your new abode.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*