**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of living in London. While this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient to gather significant experiences concerning life in this lively metropolis. London is not merely varied in its housing alternatives but also in its communities, providing a rich cultural landscape for its inhabitants. For students, the city offers a plethora of housing options, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares cater to a range of tastes and financial plans.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly easy, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential homes online. These websites also offer information about amenities and accessibility to public transport, streamlining the search process.
When I initiated my search, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near major attractions, social centers, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs climbing up to £5.25. To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card offers reduced fares, making it an economical choice for students.
London’s transport infrastructure also encompasses the Overground and National Rail services, which extend beyond the Underground system to outer zones. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing framework of the train provider. Nevertheless, residing in Central London comes at a cost—higher living expenses. To control costs, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
The proximity to grocery stores was another crucial aspect in my decision-making. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more affordable choices. Living close to essential stores and pharmacies has proven particularly advantageous during hectic times, like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London is no small feat. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural essence, showcasing a range of vibrant neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the familiarity of their home countries. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is well-regarded for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
In the end, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether captivated by the cultural richness of ethnic neighbourhoods or the convenience of Central London, the city has something to offer for everyone. Embrace the variety of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural fabric, 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/)*