**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extended duration, I have acquired some significant lessons throughout this time. London is an ever-changing metropolis, not only because of its vast range of housing alternatives but also due to its eclectic and lively communities. Students here enjoy a wealth of options at their disposal, including student accommodations and private lodgings. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is seamless, while international students can use resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to view prospective accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
At the start of my quest for housing, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a fantastic transportation system, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. Nevertheless, I was determined to minimize my travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. That being said, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had a university friend with whom I decided to share a room, leading to a significant reduction in our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, aspiring to connect with students from different cultural backgrounds and of similar ages—something that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is tremendously convenient, particularly during hectic periods like exam season.
Determining the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. London’s diverse communities contribute immensely to the city’s cultural vibrancy, presenting a range of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for areas that evoke sentiments of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian demographic, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Simultaneously, Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End, is a lively district filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few of the many vibrant community neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to offer.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorised under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [Housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)