**Settling Down in London: My Journey and Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not appear lengthy, I have gained considerable knowledge in this time. London is an ever-evolving city, not just in its plethora of housing choices but also in the wide range of communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of options for accommodation, including student halls and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite versus shared bathrooms, private and shared living spaces, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily arrange firsthand viewings, while international counterparts can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse potential housing online, review available facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transit.
### Deciding on a Residence
As I went through the search for a place to stay, my aim was to find a room in Central London, allowing easy access to major sights, vibrant social scenes, and, paramount, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between various regions. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily fares potentially reaching £5.25. To cut costs, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. That being said, Oyster card options greatly alleviate travel costs for university trips. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend their reach beyond the Tube network, servicing areas outside the central zones, with fares fluctuating based on mileage and train operator guidelines.
The high expenses associated with living in Central London stem from its closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, resulting in significant savings on our rent. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that might have been harder to find in private rentals.
### The Significance of Location
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies in close vicinity is incredibly helpful, especially during hectic exam weeks when every moment counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the perfect neighbourhood can be tough. London’s cultural richness is manifests in its numerous ethnic communities, each creating a distinct atmosphere. Many international students prefer areas that evoke familiarity with their home countries. For instance:
– **Southall (West London):** Renowned for its substantial South Asian community, Southall features countless Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire boutiques.
– **Brixton (South London):** Celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community, Brixton offers an exciting music scene and a wealth of cultural heritage.
– **Chinatown (West End):** A bustling quarter filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings, providing an authentic glimpse of Chinese culture in central London.
These examples highlight just a fraction of London’s many culturally enriching neighbourhoods.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London is contingent upon your individual tastes, lifestyle preferences, and financial means. Whether you’re in the hunt for student housing or private accommodations, embracing the city’s diversity and exploring its distinctive neighbourhoods can render your experience truly fulfilling. London is a thrilling location to reside, offering convenience, cultural depth, and limitless opportunities for adventure.
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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/)