**Residing in London: Nine Months In**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might appear to be a short duration, I’ve gained considerable insights along the way. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing options but also by its lively communities. Students here are presented with a plethora of choices. Whether you’re looking for student accommodations or private rentals, the variety includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students find booking apartment viewings quite easy, while international students can explore potential housing online using platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check out amenities and assess public transport accessibility.
When I commenced my hunt for a place to stay, my primary goal was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College was essential. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transport network; the Underground (tube), buses, and trains facilitate travel between the zones. However, I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more economical. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond central London, although ticket prices can vary depending on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London comes with a substantial cost, particularly owing to its closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to cohabit, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I made the choice to stay in intercollegiate student accommodation, anticipating the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds of a similar age— a possibility that would have been more complicated in private housing.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. The most prevalent supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being positioned close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies greatly saves time, especially during hectic periods such as exams.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can indeed be challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining establishments, retail shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few of the many varied neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. While you embark on your quest for a new residence in this city, relish the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, investigate its cultural hubs, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city 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/)