**Living 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 residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a long duration, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge throughout this time. London is a lively and heterogeneous city, not only regarding its accommodation options but also its energetic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices for housing. Whether it’s student lodgings or private lets, there’s something available for everyone—ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, scheduling viewings for apartments is simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse their future accommodations online, check facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
When I initiated my search for housing, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I wished to be near the city’s major landmarks, social centers, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s vast transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to lower my travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can climb up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depending solely on public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card provides discounted fares, helping to make commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend the transport options beyond the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was studying at the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share accommodations, which considerably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student lodging, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and of a similar age—an opportunity that might have been more difficult in private accommodations.
For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a major time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural essence, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students seek areas that evoke feelings of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring plenty of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many distinct communities that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re looking for a new place or simply wandering around the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing selections, delve into its cultural zones, and relish the convenience and excitement that 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/)