**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve gained substantial insights throughout my experience. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, boasting not only a broad spectrum of accommodation choices but also a rich tapestry of diverse communities. Students here have a myriad of options available to them. Whether in search of student housing or private rentals, you can discover a range of alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living spaces online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodations, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aspired to be near the city’s prominent attractions, social locales, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s superb public transportation system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement and commutes between various zones. However, I was eager to minimize transportation expenses, given that inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have made traveling to university substantially more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. The costs for these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses because of its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I was going to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rental costs. I decided to live in intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with other students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that would have been more challenging to find in private residences.
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available too. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic periods such as exam weeks.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can prove to be a task. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural fabric, providing a wide array of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a large South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. In the midst of London’s West End, Chinatown is a vibrant area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of the city’s multifaceted neighbourhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new home in this bustling city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, venture into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city 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/)