**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained from a Student’s Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to gather essential insights about life in this dynamic and diverse city. London is renowned not only for its famous landmarks but also for its extensive range of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents countless selections, ranging from student residences to private living spaces, including ensuite and communal bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared housing.
For those coming from abroad, resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are crucial for researching potential housing online. These sites offer information about amenities, accessibility to public transport, and more. At the same time, local students can conveniently set up in-person viewings.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—makes commuting relatively straightforward. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending solely on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that utilizing Oyster cards considerably lowered travel expenses.
Aside from the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services expand to regions outside the central zones, offering further travel possibilities. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of the operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a fellow university student. This decision enabled us to significantly reduce our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations because I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Popular supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops and pharmacies saved me valuable time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be a challenging endeavor. The city’s vast cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. For example, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
In the end, the ideal living location in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves or its central amenities, London has something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, discover the richness of its neighborhoods, and relish the thrill of 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/)