**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of making London my home. While this duration may not seem extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to glean important insights about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is famous not only for its wide array of housing options but also for its rich cultural tapestry. For students, the city presents an abundance of selections, from student residences to private lodgings, including ensuite rooms, communal living spaces, studio flats, and shared houses. While local students have the advantage of easily organizing in-person viewings, international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my search for housing, my primary focus was securing a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London’s exceptional transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones. However, traveling between zones can be costly, amounting up to £5.25 daily. To mitigate transportation costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly alternative. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail networks extend beyond the Underground, linking outer zones to the heart of the city. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the particular operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, albeit accompanied by elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I decided to share a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations with the aspiration of encountering peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would be challenging to find in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another important aspect for me. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, proves particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. Many international students tend to cluster around areas that echo the familiarity of their native lands. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling ambiance with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These communities are merely a few illustrations of London’s multicultural districts.
In the end, the perfect place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied housing choices, cultural neighborhoods, or convenient services, London has something to offer everyone. Savor the richness of this extraordinary city, and make the best of your time spent here.
*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized under: Uncategorized*
*Tagged: accommodation, housing, London Life, master’s*