**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I have accumulated significant knowledge in this timeframe. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its extensive housing options but also because of the variety in its communities. Here, students have an extensive array of accommodation choices available to them. Whether it’s student residences or private homes, there are countless options—from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can use services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for accommodations online, examine available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
As I searched for a place to stay, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social spots, and of course, the Imperial College campus, was important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city features an outstanding transportation network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, making navigation effortless. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering locations outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being close to main attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was keen to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that would have been harder to encounter in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time benefit, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the optimal neighbourhood can be challenging. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community and boasts many Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the culturally vibrant neighbourhoods found in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)*