**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While this duration may appear brief, I’ve gained a wealth of experience during my time here. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive accommodation possibilities but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. Students have a plethora of housing options available, from student residences to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, as well as studio apartments and house shares. For domestic students, organizing apartment viewings is a breeze, whereas international students can make use of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout potential places to live online, review facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my housing hunt, I aimed for a room in Central London. I wanted to be near major sights, social hot spots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The excellent public transit system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to keep travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. However, using an Oyster card notably lowers commuting costs to the university. In addition, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, yet it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly mitigated our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with other students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would be trickier to accomplish in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging task. The ethnic communities of London are central to the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods. Many international students find comfort in these locales. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a vibrant South Asian community replete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling setting with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a fraction of the diverse communities that contribute to London’s identity.
In the end, the optimal area for living in London is dictated by your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new residence in this remarkable city, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has in store.
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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/)