### My Journey of Residing in London: Nine Months Later
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months since relocating to London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has provided me with numerous insightful lessons about existing in this dynamic metropolis. London is not just recognized for its varied housing options but also for its rich multicultural societies. Students particularly have an abundance of accommodation opportunities available to them, ranging from student residences to private housing. These encompass ensuite and shared facilities, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, organizing apartment viewings is generally uncomplicated, while international scholars can count on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These resources offer information about amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial details.
When I initiated my housing search, my emphasis was on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with costs reaching up to £5.25 daily. To cut down on travel expenses, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides students with discounted travel options. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, serving areas beyond Central London. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To tackle costs, I chose to share a room with a fellow university student. This shared living arrangement significantly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aimed to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an experience that’s more difficult to achieve in private rentals.
One of my key considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, helped save time, especially during hectic periods such as exam sessions.
Deciding on the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be quite daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural makeup, presenting a plethora of unique districts. Many international students find themselves drawn to areas that evoke memories of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian population, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of London’s varied community hotspots.
In the end, the ideal locale to call home in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are enchanted by the city’s cultural enclaves or its accessible transport links, London presents a vast array of accommodation choices to fit every lifestyle. Embrace the diversity, delve into the richness of its neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of 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/)*