**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extensive duration, these months have been packed with insightful lessons and experiences. London is a lively and multicultural city, providing an array of housing options and lively communities. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, the city offers numerous choices tailored to your requirements, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. These options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For international students, resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate the search for online accommodations, showcasing amenities and allowing for checks on proximity to public transport. Conversely, home students can easily arrange on-site viewings.
As I started my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transit system—encompassing the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which simplifies travel between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fare options, making it a budget-friendly alternative for students. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Tube network, linking outer zones to the city center. However, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific train operator.
Living in Central London has numerous advantages, but it also entails steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow student at university. This choice substantially lowered our rental payments. I selected intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a mix that might have been more challenging to find in private accommodations.
The location of grocery stores was another crucial factor in my decision-making. Popular supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present more economical options. Residing near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is especially convenient during hectic times, such as exam periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood is a difficult yet essential task. London’s vibrant cultural diversity is showcased in its numerous ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. Many international students are attracted to areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In the West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural depth, its varied accommodation choices, or its convenience and vibrancy, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the process of discovering your new home, delve into the city’s lively neighborhoods, and maximize your time in this extraordinary metropolis.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*