**Exploring Life 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 London residence. Although nine months might appear brief, I’ve gleaned several lessons throughout this period. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not only regarding its varied living arrangements but also due to the lively communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of housing options available, ranging from student halls to private residences. Choices include ensuite facilities, shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently arrange physical viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential residences online, review the amenities offered, and evaluate the distance to public transportation.
As I embarked on my housing search, my primary aim was to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s major sights, social hotspots, and, importantly, the campus of Imperial College was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, I was eager to cut down on commuting expenses, as traveling between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I often opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card has considerably reduced the cost of my journey to university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching locations outside central London. The cost of inter-zone travel on these services depends on the distance traveled and the specific fare structure of the train operator in question.
Residing in Central London offers distinct advantages, but it also brings elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university along with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which allowed us to make considerable savings on rent. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodation since I wanted to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something more difficult to achieve within the realm of private housing.
One of my primary considerations was convenience to grocery stores. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a substantial amount of time, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can prove to be a daunting task. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a pivotal role in shaping its cultural identity, offering a wealth of distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian population, featuring an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. In South London, the Brixton area is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and thriving music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the myriad diverse neighbourhoods present in London.
In the end, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home, take the opportunity to explore the city’s varied accommodation possibilities, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and liveliness that London has to offer.
—
*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/)