**My Journey in London: Reflections 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 nine months may appear brief, it has been ample time for me to gain insights about this lively city. London showcases a rich tapestry of accommodation alternatives and the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of housing selections available. From student residences to private dwellings, the spectrum includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For those studying locally, scheduling apartment viewings is quite straightforward, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing options, evaluate facilities, and consider proximity to public transport.
In my quest for suitable lodging, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I aspired to stay near famous attractions, social hotspots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. The remarkable transport infrastructure—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates effortless movement across these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can demand up to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transportation. That being said, the Oyster card system has greatly enhanced the affordability of commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fees for inter-zone travel on these services depend on the distance and the charging framework of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also entails increased living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I specifically went for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. The most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like markets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can prove challenging. The ethnic communities of London significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, offering a myriad of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the West End, is a bustling locale brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of the many colorful neighborhoods across London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the hunt for your new home in this metropolis, celebrate the vast diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and thrill that London has to share.
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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/)