**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my ninth month of residing in London. Though nine months might not appear extensive, I have gained considerable insight during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its numerous housing opportunities but also for its varied communities. Students are presented with a plethora of choices. Whether opting for student accommodation or private rentals, possibilities encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is uncomplicated, while international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover prospective lodgings online, evaluate amenities, and consider closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to reside, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize my travel expenses, given that inter-zonal travel could reach £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently preferred walking short distances instead of utilizing public transport. Nonetheless, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the central region. The costs for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s specific fare structure.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also results in higher living expenses. Luckily, I had a companion from university with whom I chose to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, aiming to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be harder to find in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was essential for me. Some well-known supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic periods such as exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s multicultural communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for familiarity in these areas. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, offering a diverse selection of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the eclectic neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent on your individual interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy 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/)