**Living 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 nine months might not appear to be an extended duration, I have gained some significant perspectives along the way. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, not only regarding its living arrangements but also in the multitude of communities that reside here. Students, in particular, enjoy a vast selection of housing alternatives. From student accommodations to private rentals, options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students find booking apartment viewings to be quite simple, whereas international students can effortlessly explore platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential lodgings, investigate amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
At the outset of my hunt for a place to stay, I was inclined towards renting a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s key attractions, lively areas, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s transportation system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel costs down, as moving between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 per day. To conserve money, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on buses or the Tube. However, thanks to the Oyster card system, commuting to university has become more economical. For longer distances, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary according to distance and the specific fare structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent expenses. I decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
The proximity to grocery stores was a crucial consideration for me when selecting my living space. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also available. Living close to essential facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be quite a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities form an essential aspect of its cultural landscape, showcasing a vast assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, filled with numerous Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the heart of the West End, Chinatown presents a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples highlight just a fraction of London’s diverse community neighbourhoods.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, I encourage embracing the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation alternatives, delving into its cultural enclaves, and relishing the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city 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/)