**Exploring Life in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although that might not seem extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is an exceptionally dynamic city, both in its wide-ranging accommodation choices and the array of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, have an abundance of housing options available. Whether you’re in pursuit of student residences or private housing, the selection is vast—spanning ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can make use of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living arrangements online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
As I commenced my search for accommodation, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s primary attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exemplary transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I was mindful of managing travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can be as high as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depending on public transport. However, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university far more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I managed to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred living in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. The most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic periods like exam season.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s abundant cultural diversity is highlighted in its various ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive living experience. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in London’s bustling West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These examples merely scratch the surface of the many culturally enriched neighbourhoods in London.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new home or simply exploring the city, embrace the diversity and abundance of London’s accommodation choices, uncover its cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city provides.
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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/)