**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, marked not only by its variety of housing options but also its lively communities. For students, there are numerous accommodation selections available right at your fingertips. Whether you opt for student residences or private living spaces, the choices range from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, examine facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
During my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network—including the underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel between zones. Nonetheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can add up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the options available with the Oyster card have made commuting to university significantly cheaper. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside Central London. Fare prices for these services vary according to distance and the specific fare structure of each train provider.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near significant attractions, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations because I intended to meet students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that would have been more challenging with private housing.
For me, living near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a massive time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood can be quite a task. London’s ethnic communities are a fundamental aspect of the city’s cultural identity, creating a rich array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, providing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of the myriad community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, discover its cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)