**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. While it might not appear to be an extended period, it has been sufficient to acquire significant understandings about life in this lively city. London is famous not only for its varied housing options but also for its rich tapestry of multicultural communities. Particularly, students have an abundance of choices available to them, spanning from student housing to private lodgings. These encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple. In contrast, international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online, examine amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transportation.
When I initiated my search for a residence, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city boasts a superb transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates movement between zones. However, traveling between zones can become pricey, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical choice. Additionally, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, reaching regions outside of central London. Travel expenses on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the respective train companies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also presents high living expenses. To keep costs down, I made the decision to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This choice greatly diminished our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I sought to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an atmosphere that’s more difficult to find in private rental situations.
Easy access to grocery stores was another crucial factor for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to students aiming to save money. Living in proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exam time.
Choosing the right neighborhood in London is not an easy endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities form a fundamental aspect of its cultural vitality, presenting a range of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students cluster around areas that bring back memories from home. For example, Southall in West London is famed for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of London’s diverse community neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re investigating accommodation options, immersing yourself in cultural neighborhoods, or simply relishing the city’s vibrant atmosphere, London has something to offer for everyone. Embrace its diversity, and you will discover a home that aligns with your lifestyle in this extraordinary city.
*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)