**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this period may appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity to acquire meaningful perspectives about this dynamic city. London is not only steeped in history and culture but also presents a wide variety of housing options and communities. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city offers numerous choices for accommodation, ranging from student halls to private rentals. Available options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For international students, websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are essential for virtual tours, allowing them to assess amenities and accessibility to public transport prior to making a selection.
As I initiated my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social venues, and my university, Imperial College, was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel between zones. However, commuting between different zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, prompting me to walk shorter distances to save money. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides fare discounts, making travel more economical for students. Also, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, linking outer zones with diverse fare systems based on distance.
Residing in Central London entails a steep cost of living, but I managed to achieve substantial savings by sharing a room with a fellow university student. We opted for intercollegiate student housing, which enabled us to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more difficult to find in private residences.
Accessibility to grocery shops was another critical consideration for me. Popular supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students looking to economize on basic needs. Living near these stores and pharmacies was particularly convenient during exam times when every minute counted.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London poses its challenges. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, offering a vibrant array of distinct neighbourhoods. A considerable number of international students are drawn to areas reflecting the comfort of their homelands. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling hub of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods merely touch on the cultural richness that London has to offer.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to cultural hotspots, closeness to your university, or budget-friendliness, London’s housing options accommodate a broad spectrum of tastes. Embrace the diversity, delve into the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of living in one of the globe’s most extraordinary cities.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London life, master’s*