**Residing 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. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it’s been sufficient for me to uncover various aspects of this remarkable city. London is a vibrant and multifaceted metropolis, showcasing a broad spectrum of housing choices and a mix of communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there are numerous living options available. From student residences to private rentals, the assortment includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or single rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is effortless, while international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually explore potential rentals, examine facilities, and gauge accessibility to public transportation.
In my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as traversing between zones might cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than use public transport. That being said, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend well beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s specific pricing structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails high living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with other students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that may have been more difficult to achieve through private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant array of diverse locales. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian population, featuring a wide array of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the wealth of community-centric neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to call home in London hinges on your unique interests and requirements. When embarking on your quest for accommodation in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, venture into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill 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/)*