**Experiencing London: Reflections After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I launched my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a significant duration, it has sufficed for me to acquire meaningful perspectives on living in this dynamic metropolis. London is renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for the rich tapestry of communities that inhabit it. For those studying, the city presents a multitude of accommodation options, from student lodgings to private leases. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can easily arrange in-person viewings, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate housing online, review facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
When I set out to find a place to stay, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to remain near significant landmarks, social centers, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transport system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between zones. However, traveling across zones can be pricey, with daily fares climbing as high as £5.25. To curb transport costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, an Oyster card turned out to be an economical choice. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing greater connectivity. Nonetheless, fares on these services differ based on distance and the company in operation.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it presented a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—an opportunity that private rentals might not readily provide.
Access to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to economize. Living near essential shops and pharmacies proved especially beneficial during exam seasons when time was scarce.
Selecting the most suitable neighborhood in London can be overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities contribute to its cultural wealth, forging vibrant neighborhoods that offer a sense of belonging for international students. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a lively center of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that render London distinctive.
In the end, the ideal area to live in London hinges on personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied housing options, its cultural neighborhoods, or its convenience and vibrancy, London has offerings for everyone. Embrace the diversity, delve into the richness of its communities, and savor the extraordinary experience of living in this legendary city.
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*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/)*