**Living in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the milestone of nine months living in London. Though it may seem brief, this time has been quite enlightening for me. London is a remarkably dynamic city, not only due to its myriad housing opportunities but also owing to the rich mix of communities residing here. Students especially have access to a vast array of living arrangements. Whether you are considering student accommodations or private rentals, you’ll discover choices that range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online, explore amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
When I embarked on my hunt for accommodation, my priority was finding a room in Central London. Being near major sights, social spots, and most crucially, the campus of Imperial College was essential to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy navigation across zones. However, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as transferring between zones can tally up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card helps substantially cut travel costs for university journeys. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into outlying zones. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s specific fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails increased living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly alleviated our rental burdens. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging through private leasing.
Being close to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Residing near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a tremendous amount of time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form a vital component of the city’s cultural identity, creating a rich array of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a large South Asian population, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These highlights represent just a portion of the many community-centered neighbourhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace its diverse and rich accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London provides.
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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/)