**Living in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While it may not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gathered a wealth of insights throughout this time. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, showcasing not only a variety of housing opportunities but also a mix of communities that reside within it. Students particularly have an array of housing options available to them. From student residences to private rentals, there are choices such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging viewings for apartments is quite simple, while international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major attractions, social spots, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College was important to me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The extensive transportation system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement around and between zones. I aimed to curtail my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university much more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Prices for these services vary according to the distance and fare structure of the respective train operator.
Residing in Central London offers several advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something harder to achieve in private housing.
One of my key priorities was to be near grocery stores. Some of London’s most prevalent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exam time.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, offering a rich array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that echo their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, presents a vast selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples merely skim the surface of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in this bustling city, embrace the variety of housing options available, delve into its rich cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
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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/)