**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided ample opportunity to gain some significant insights about life in this dynamic city. London is not only renowned for its extensive variety of living arrangements but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students in this city have access to an abundance of housing options, from student residences to private lodgings. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. For students attending the home institution, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transportation.
When I initiated my accommodation search, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which makes inter-zonal travel convenient. However, traveling between zones can accumulate costs, reaching up to £5.25 each day. To minimize travel expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, servicing outer zones with varied fares depending on distance and train provider.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but comes with elevated living expenses as well. To alleviate this burden, my friend and I opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age demographics—something that might have been more challenging in private residences.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another important aspect for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundant, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies has proven to save time, especially during exam seasons when every moment is precious.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s rich cultural mosaic is evident in its ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. Many international students flock to areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music landscape. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are only a glimpse of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s diverse housing choices, its cultural wealth, or its convenience and vibrancy, London possesses something for everyone. Welcome the adventure of discovering your new home in this extraordinary city, and relish all it 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/)*