**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Adventure**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While nine months might not appear to be an extended period, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about this dynamic city throughout my stay. London showcases not only a variety of accommodation choices but also a tapestry of communities. Students are truly catered to, with an extensive selection of housing options readily available. Whether you seek student housing or private living arrangements, you can discover everything from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, as well as studio flats and shared houses. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is easy, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate their potential homes online, examine the facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s key attractions, lively areas, and notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system, consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between various zones. However, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traversing between zones can set you back as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university significantly more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground, encompassing outer zones. The fare for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure.
Residing in Central London offers certain advantages, but it also brings about higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time, particularly during hectic periods such as exam seasons.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be a challenging choice. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, offering a rich mix of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, abundant with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale lined with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous community-oriented neighbourhoods in the city.
Ultimately, the ideal spot to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and preferences. As you embark on your quest for new accommodations in this remarkable city, embrace its diversity, delve into its cultural hubs, 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/)