**Life in London: Nine Months Later**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient for me to acquire various insights about this remarkable city. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its vast selection of housing options but also by the multitude of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, are presented with numerous possibilities. From student residences to private lodgings, choices vary from ensuite and shared facilities to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, whereas international students can turn to platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living arrangements online, examine amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transit.

During my quest for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near top attractions, social centers, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network—which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. That said, I sought to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground system, encompassing regions outside of central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider.

Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was excited to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—something that would have been more difficult to accomplish through private rentals.

For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of the popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Down in South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the many community-focused neighborhoods throughout the city.

Ultimately, the most suitable neighborhood to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in this city, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and excitement that London presents.

*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/)

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