### My Journey in London: Nine Months Later
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months of living in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gain insights into this dynamic city. London is characterized by its rich diversity in culture and communities, alongside a broad range of accommodation choices. Here, students enjoy numerous options, including student housing and private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
During my housing search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near major attractions, social hotspots, 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 boasts an outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can become costly, amounting to as much as £5.25 daily. To minimize travel expenses, I often opted to walk for shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, Oyster card options helped reduce costs. In addition to the Underground, services like London Overground and National Rail reach areas beyond central London, though fare prices vary based on distance and the pricing framework of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also presents challenges, particularly regarding the high living costs. To mitigate expenses, I made the choice to share a room with a friend who was also pursuing university studies. This decision significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations with the hope of meeting peers from various backgrounds and ages—a combination that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another essential criterion for me. Among the most frequent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent for students. Living near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, especially during hectic times like the exam season.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be a challenging task. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, providing a rich array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students are drawn to locations that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian community, offering Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, thrives as a bustling area of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of the diverse communities that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are in search of cultural familiarity, convenience, or closeness to your university, London provides an abundance of choices. Embrace the city’s diverse accommodation landscape, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the thrill of life in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
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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/)*