**Settling Down in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
It has been nine months since I relocated to London, and although that might not seem very lengthy, I have gained considerable insights about life in this vibrant metropolis. London is celebrated for its energetic ambiance, reflected not only in its varied housing options but also in the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students enjoy a multitude of accommodation types, ranging from student halls to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, as well as studio apartments and house shares. While local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, international students can examine opportunities through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which offer virtual tours, information about amenities, and accessibility to public transport.
### Selecting Your Living Space
In my quest for a place to stay, I focused on locating a rental in Central London for close proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The comprehensive transport system—including the Tube, buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting across zones. However, travelling between zones can be pricey, costing as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Thankfully, various Oyster card options assist in reducing commuting expenses for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London, with fares varying by distance and train service providers.
Residing in Central London entails elevated living expenses, but I managed to lower costs by sharing a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. I also preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that would have been harder to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Daily Necessities
For me, living near grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide cheaper alternatives. Being near essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, simplifies daily tasks, particularly during hectic times like exams.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood is a significant choice. London’s multicultural communities play a vital role in shaping the city’s rich cultural fabric, presenting an array of neighbourhoods that showcase different heritages and customs. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home.
– **Southall (West London):** Recognized for its substantial South Asian population, Southall boasts numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton (South London):** A center for the Afro-Caribbean community, Brixton is renowned for its vibrant music scene and cultural happenings.
– **Chinatown (West End):** Situated in central London, Chinatown is a bustling locale filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities.
These represent just a handful of the many culturally diverse neighbourhoods in London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal location to reside in London relies on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and financial considerations. Whether you seek affordability, cultural resonance, or closeness to your university, London presents a diverse array of housing choices to meet various requirements. Embracing the city’s diversity, exploring distinctive neighbourhoods, and taking full advantage of its efficient transport system can assist you in settling in and experiencing all that London has to offer.
—
**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/)