**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 may not appear extensive, I have gained considerable insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing options but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. Students here have an abundance of choices available to them. Be it student residences or private living options, selections vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly straightforward, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living arrangements online, examine available amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my own quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s primary attractions, entertainment hubs, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb public transport network, consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates travel across these zones. However, I intended to keep travel costs low, as inter-zonal travel can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of depending on buses or the Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options for students heading to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure set by each train operator.
Living in Central London comes with its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living costs due to the closeness to major landmarks. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I wanted to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something harder to achieve through private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Some prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more cost-effective choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the suitable neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities significantly contribute to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek out locales that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is famed for its extensive South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many culturally diverse neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. While on the hunt for a new home in this capital, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London provides.
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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/)