**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While that may not sound extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights over this time. London is an energetic and multicultural city, offering not only a variety of living arrangements but also vibrant communities that inhabit it. Students particularly have a myriad of options available. Whether it’s accommodation for students or private rentals, choices abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is simple, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential homes online, review available features, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
As I commenced my quest for a residence, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aspired to be near the city’s key attractions, social gathering spots, 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 has an outstanding transportation network that includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy transit between zones. Still, I aimed to lower my travel costs as commuting between zones could reach £5.25 daily. To save on expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university significantly more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, encompassing areas outside the central zone. Pricing for these services differs based on distance and the fare policies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses due to the closeness to key sites. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lessened our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been harder to achieve in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, particularly during hectic times like exam periods when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood is quite the challenge. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of comfort by choosing areas that mirror their home country. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian population, providing a spectrum of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and shops selling traditional clothing. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and pulsating music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the numerous diverse neighborhoods that London offers.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in this city, welcome its diversity and richness in accommodation possibilities, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of living in one of the most extraordinary cities worldwide.
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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/)