**Residing in London: Nine Months Later**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is an exceptionally lively city, not just due to its diverse housing options but also because of the varied communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing choices right at their fingertips. Whether it’s student accommodation or private dwellings, options vary from ensuite to shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to find potential homes online, review facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for housing, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. Being close to the city’s principal attractions, social hubs, and, notably, Imperial College’s campus, was important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s vast transport network, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between these zones. However, I was keen on minimizing my travel expenses, considering that inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transportation. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university far more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, serving areas outside the central zones. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary, influenced by distance and the specific train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails heightened living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as it allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a mix that would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while there are also budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby to crucial outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves a substantial amount of time, particularly during hectic times like exam season.
Selecting the right neighborhood to reside in is a complex choice. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiar environments upon arriving in London. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in central London’s West End, is a lively area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the culturally diverse neighborhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal location to live in London relies on your personal tastes and requirements. As you venture for a new residence in this dynamic city, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing options, explore the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement that London presents.
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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/)