**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my experience of residing in London. Although this may appear brief, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful reflections on life in this lively and varied city. London is renowned not just for its famous landmarks but also for its numerous housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. For scholars, the city provides a vast array of accommodation choices, ranging from student halls to private housing, including ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These platforms offer insights into amenities and closeness to public transport, facilitating the search for those who are new to the city.
### Locating a Residence
In my hunt for a place to stay, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social environments, and my university campus at Imperial College was crucial. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s superb public transportation system—including the Underground (generally referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—enables easy travel between these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal trips, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card offers reduced fares, making travel more budget-friendly for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. However, ticket prices for these services depend on the distance traveled and the pricing policies of the operating companies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which drastically lowered our rent. I also decided to live in intercollegiate student residences, hoping to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic that’s typically harder to find in private accommodations.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Being in close proximity to grocery stores was a key concern for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to minimize costs. Being near essential shops, including pharmacies, is especially beneficial during hectic periods such as exam time.
### Picking the Appropriate Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s diversity and cultural wealth. London’s ethnic communities significantly enrich its character, presenting a wide array of neighborhoods with unique cultural identities.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End showcases a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods provide a sense of comfort for international students yearning for a link to their home cultures.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal location to live in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you feel drawn to the city’s cultural enclaves, its efficient transport connections, or its lively social landscape, London has something to offer everyone.
As I contemplate my time here, I have grown to value the diversity and richness of London’s housing options and communities. Discovering this remarkable city has been an exhilarating and fulfilling journey, and I urge anyone relocating to London to embrace its distinctive opportunities and challenges.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorised under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*