**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of living in London. Though nine months might not seem extensive, I’ve gained quite a bit of knowledge throughout this time. London is an active and multicultural city, characterized not just by its vast selection of housing options but also by the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, affordable housing choices are abundant. Whether in need of student residences or private rentals, you can find a variety of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and housing co-ops. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to be near the city’s key attractions, social hubs, and, naturally, Imperial College’s premises. London consists of six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. The city’s impressive public transport system—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has significantly lowered commuting costs to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, servicing outer London regions. The fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific fare framework of each train operator.
Living in Central London has its benefits, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near critical retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a vital aspect of its cultural makeup, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students look for areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian population, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton boasts a thriving Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These illustrate just a few of the numerous community-centric neighborhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the optimal area for residing in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. As you embark on your home search, welcome the variety and richness of London’s housing possibilities, delve into its cultural hotspots, and relish the ease and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)