**Nine Months in London: My Journey with Housing and City Living**
*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, I’ve gained a wealth of insights about living in this dynamic city. London’s diversity is not only evident in its culture and inhabitants, but also in its accommodation choices. Whether you are a student or a working professional, you’re bound to find an option that suits your needs. Ranging from student residences to private rentals, the choices include ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, or house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students often depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential lodgings online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
When I initiated my housing search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to be near the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six overlapping zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts a comprehensive public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement between zones. Nonetheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university significantly more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, and inter-zone travel costs on these services differ based on the distance and fare policies of each train operator.
Living in Central London offers numerous advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, leading to a substantial reduction in our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing as I wanted to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a goal that’s often challenging with private rentals.
A key concern for me was residing near grocery stores. Major supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural richness, presenting an array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian population and is filled with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End thrums with activity, featuring Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the various diverse communities that render London such a distinctive place to inhabit.
In the end, the ideal neighborhood in London is dictated by your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are in search of a new dwelling or simply wandering through the city, appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing landscape, dive into its cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)