**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained significant insights during this time. London is a remarkably lively city, not only regarding its extensive housing choices but also its varied communities. Students here enjoy a plethora of options. Whether you seek student accommodation or private housing, there’s something available for everyone—ensuite and shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my search for a living space, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s primary attractions, social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s public transportation system is outstanding, with the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy movement. Nonetheless, I wanted to reduce my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on public transport, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card can significantly reduce commuting costs to the university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas further afield. The price of inter-zone travel on these services varies according to the distance and the specific train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London presents the advantage of proximity to key attractions, but it also leads to higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which notably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more difficult in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential when selecting my residence. Some of the most familiar supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is an enormous time-saver, especially during hectic times such as exams.
Finding the right neighborhood can be a challenge. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, offering a rich tapestry of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community and boasts numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few examples of the numerous lively community neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London depends on individual interests and needs. When exploring options for new accommodation in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its living options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement 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/)