### My Journey of Residing in London for Nine Months
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of living in London for nine months. Although nine months might appear short, it has afforded me ample opportunity to gain insight into this dynamic city. London boasts a myriad of accommodation choices alongside its rich variety of communities. Particularly for students, there’s an abundance of options available. Choices range from student residences to private rentals, featuring both ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, setting up an apartment viewing is usually straightforward, while international students utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually browse accommodations. These platforms offer comprehensive information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the process significantly.
As I commenced my search for living arrangements, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to reside near main attractions, social hotspots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement between these zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can accumulate costs, sometimes reaching £5.25 daily. To minimize travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that using the Oyster card significantly lowered travel costs. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend to areas beyond central London, though ticket prices fluctuate based on distance and the pricing framework of the train operator.
Living in Central London certainly involves a premium cost, but fortunately, I shared a room with a friend, which allowed us to cut down on rent substantially. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I was eager to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that proves more elusive in private rentals.
Another important aspect for me was being close to grocery stores. Mainstream supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while affordable alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, was incredibly beneficial, especially during exam seasons when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can pose a challenge. The city’s extensive cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, contributing to its unique allure. A number of international students often favor neighbourhoods that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a vibrant hub brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples highlight just a fraction of the cultural enclaves that enhance London’s charm.
In the end, the most suitable area to inhabit in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether delving into the city’s varied accommodation offerings, immersing in its culturally rich neighbourhoods, or enjoying the benefits of its superb transport options, London presents something for everyone. Embrace the multiculturalism, immerse yourself in the vibrant communities, and fully appreciate this extraordinary city.
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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/)