**Insights from My Nine-Month Experience in London: A Student’s View**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though this may appear to be a brief period, it has provided me with significant perspectives on living in this lively and diverse metropolis. London is renowned not only for its iconic sights and historical significance but also for its extensive range of housing choices and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city boasts an abundance of options, from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares.
For students from the UK, arranging a viewing for an apartment is quite easy. However, international students often use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for housing online. These sites furnish information about amenities and access to public transportation, simplifying the planning process.
When I initiated my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The excellent public transport system—including the Underground (commonly dubbed the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement among the zones. However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, inter-zonal travel may cost up to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fares, making it a budget-friendly solution for students.
Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail connect areas outside the central zones, expanding coverage. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of train operators. Although living in Central London is convenient, it comes with a steep cost. To mitigate expenses, I decided to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our financial burden. Additionally, I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic often scarce in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another vital aspect of my choices. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent savings. Being close to essential shops and pharmacies has proven invaluable, especially during hectic times like exam seasons.
Deciding on the right area in London can be quite challenging. The city’s rich cultural variety is mirrored in its different ethnic communities, each delivering a distinct experience. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards neighborhoods that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is celebrated for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a few of the cultural enclaves that make London unique.
In the end, the ideal place to call home in London is contingent upon your personal interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s diverse housing possibilities, its cultural abundance, or its unmatched convenience, London has much to offer everyone. Embrace the journey, discover the neighborhoods, and maximize your experience in this remarkable 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/)