**Exploring Life 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 life in London. Although nine months might not appear as a lengthy duration, it’s been sufficient for me to gather several important insights about existence in this dynamic city. London boasts a rich variety of housing choices as well as the diverse communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous living arrangements, ranging from student housing to private rentals, inclusive of options like ensuite and communal bathrooms, individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is a simple process, and international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential places to stay, evaluate amenities, and determine accessibility to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be in proximity to the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, notably, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient public transportation system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones. Nevertheless, I sought to keep my travel expenses low since inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. However, the Oyster card has significantly reduced the cost of travelling to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail extend services beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside of central London. The fare for these services fluctuates based on distance and the specific fare arrangements of each train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, allowing us to substantially cut down on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the opportunity to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that would be more difficult to find in private rentals.
A key priority for me was being in proximity to grocery stores. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being nearby crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be quite complex. The ethnic communities of London serve as a fundamental element of its cultural tapestry, offering a broad spectrum of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity within these communities. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of the diverse neighbourhoods contributing to London’s cultural make-up.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new abode in this remarkable city, embrace its diversity and richness in housing options, delve into its 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/)