**Residing in London: Nine Months of Insights and Adventures**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I have gained considerable insight during this time. London is an energetic and diverse metropolis, not just in its varied living arrangements but also in the multitude of communities that inhabit it. For students, housing options abound, including student accommodations and private rentals. These consist of ensuite bathrooms, suite facilities, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential residences online, examine amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near the city’s key landmarks, social venues, and, certainly, the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport infrastructure, comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between various zones. Nonetheless, I was eager to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal journeys can run up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or Tube. That being said, the Oyster card system has greatly reduced commuting costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, servicing zones outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance and the fare scheme of the train operator.
Living in Central London offers advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations since I wanted to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been trickier in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities represent an essential facet of its cultural makeup, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London is noted for its substantial South Asian community, featuring an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a lively blend of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-focused neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal living location in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. When navigating housing options in this city, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
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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/)