**Experiencing Life in London: A Nine-Month Overview**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained a wealth of experiences during my time here. London stands out as a vibrant and multicultural metropolis, offering a broad spectrum of living arrangements and a variety of communities that reside within its borders. For students, there exists an abundance of housing options that are readily accessible. Choices span from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, as well as studio flats and house share arrangements. For students based at home, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective housing online, investigate available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key landmarks, social venues, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s impressive public transport system—encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation and inter-zone travel. Personally, I sought to minimize my travel expenses, as travelling between zones can be as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university significantly more cost-effective. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, catering to regions outside of central London. The fare for these services varies based on distance and the particular pricing structure of the train operator involved.
Residing in Central London provides certain advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses due to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and together we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rental costs. I preferred to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that might have been more challenging in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Some of the most frequently found supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially beneficial during examination weeks.
Selecting the right neighbourhood can be a difficult decision. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural diversity, showcasing a rich array of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community with its Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods found throughout London.
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When seeking accommodation in this city, take the time to appreciate the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, 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/)