**My Journey of Nine Months in London**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the notable milestone of nine months of residing in London. Though it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve gained valuable insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its plethora of housing options but also because of the rich mix of communities that reside here. Students enjoy an extensive selection of living arrangements available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations provide various choices, which encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective homes online, check facilities, and learn about proximity to public transport options.
As I searched for my accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College, was a priority for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transportation network is exceptional, featuring the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, ensuring easy accessibility. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as commuting between zones can amount to up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. However, employing an Oyster card has rendered my daily commutes to university considerably less expensive. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the central region. Ticket prices for these modes of transport fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being close to prominent attractions, but it also leads to increased living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly alleviated our rent burden. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with peers of various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been trickier in private accommodation.
A key factor for me was residing near grocery stores. Some well-known supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood for living can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, showcasing an array of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students seek regions that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, at the core of London’s West End, Chinatown presents a bustling enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the diverse community neighbourhoods found within London.
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. When in pursuit of a new residence in this city, cherish the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London has to offer.
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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/)