**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 my stay in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided ample time to gain a few insightful lessons about living in this dynamic city. London is notably diverse in its housing options alongside the various communities that inhabit it. Whether you are a student or a working professional, an abundance of accommodation options is available to you. From student residencies to private rentals, there is a range that includes ensuite rooms, studio apartments, house shares, and private rooms. For domestic students, arranging apartment visits is simple, while international students can depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation—all from their own devices.
In my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain close to the city’s main attractions, social scenes, and of course, the Imperial College campus. London’s layout comprises six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, making navigation convenient. However, I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as commuting between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Beyond the Tube, services like the London Overground and National Rail connect to areas beyond central London, though ticket prices differ based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London affords certain advantages, but it also brings increased living expenses. Fortunately, I was in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as I wished to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that might have been more challenging in private housing.
One of my major considerations while selecting my living area was proximity to grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present more affordable choices. Living near essential retailers, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can prove to be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are a crucial component of its cultural tapestry, providing a wealth of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke the familiarity of their home nations. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These merely represent a fraction of the many diverse neighbourhoods that London has in store.
Ultimately, the best area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new abode, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into the city’s cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.
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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/)