**Residing 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 stay in London. Although nine months might not seem extensive, I’ve already gained substantial insights into life within this lively metropolis. London is not just dynamic in its myriad accommodation options but also in the range of communities that inhabit it. For students, an assortment of housing alternatives is available right at their fingertips. Whether it’s student housing or private lodgings, selections include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible acccommodations online, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room for rent in Central London. I aimed to be near major landmarks, vibrant social spots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. The city’s outstanding transportation system—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. Nevertheless, I was keen on reducing my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. That being said, the Oyster card options have made traveling to university more cost-effective. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central zones. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services differs based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator.
Living in Central London definitely provides the advantage of being close to major attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a crucial element in deciding where to live. Some of the most common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly beneficial during hectic exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a critical role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Many international students look for areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a few examples of the many community-based neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and necessities. As you embark on the search for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, discover its cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
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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/)