**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with numerous insightful lessons regarding life in this lively city. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its various housing options but also by the array of communities that inhabit it. For students, there are an abundance of housing selections readily available. Whether you are considering student accommodations or private rentals, choices vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students often rely on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential residences online, evaluate amenities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to the main attractions, social scenes, and Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city features an excellent public transportation network, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates travel between different zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to reduce my transportation expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than utilize public transport. That being said, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university significantly more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, encompassing zones outside of Central London. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, yet it is accompanied by elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which enabled us to effectively reduce our rent. I elected to stay in intercollegiate student accommodation in hopes of meeting peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that might have been less achievable in private housing.
One of my personal goals was to find a place close to grocery shops. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London are a vital aspect of its cultural identity, offering an intriguing array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to favor areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples reflect just a fraction of the diverse communities that contribute to London’s distinctive character.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a place to call home, take in the diversity and abundance of London’s housing prospects, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city presents.
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By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
Categorized 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/)