**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time living in London. Although it might not feel like an extensive period, I have gained a significant amount of knowledge throughout my journey. London is a lively metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing options but also because of the rich array of communities that reside here. Students have numerous housing alternatives available to them. From student residences to private rentals, choices range from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can use sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse possible living accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transport.
In my quest for suitable housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I wanted to be near the city’s key attractions, social centers, and, notably, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city offers an outstanding public transit system, including the Underground (or Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement between zones. Personally, I was keen on reducing travel expenses, since inter-zonal transportation can accrue costs of up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on buses or the Tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card has helped make my commute to university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, providing coverage beyond Central London. The cost for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator.
Living in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was able to share accommodation with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, as it allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a benefit that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of London’s most popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood can be a challenge. The ethnic communities of London play an integral role in its cultural landscape, presenting an array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is well-known for its significant South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of the many community-centered neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this lively city, appreciate the diversity in housing options, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)