**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has been sufficient for me to acquire a wealth of knowledge about this energetic city. London is celebrated not only for its diverse housing options but also for the rich tapestry of communities that live within it. For students, the city presents a multitude of housing selections, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared bedrooms, studio flats, and house shared arrangements. While local students can easily arrange in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential lodgings, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
As I commenced my quest for a living space, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates movement between these zones. However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly, with inter-zonal transport costing up to £5.25 daily. To keep expenses down, I often chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card became an essential asset, providing discounted fares for students. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond central London, although ticket prices differ based on the distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, yet it also comes with steep living expenses. To make it more financially viable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from diverse cultures and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
Closeness to grocery shops was another important consideration in my decision-making. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while budget-conscious alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students seeking to economize. Living near essential establishments, including pharmacies, proved particularly helpful during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vastness and variety. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mix of traditions and culinary delights. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards locales that echo the familiarity of their native lands. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling neighbourhood filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These locales are just a few examples of the cultural hubs that make London distinct.
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re enticed by the city’s varied housing options, its cultural abundance, or its convenience, London has something for everyone. Embrace the adventure of discovering your new home, explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of living in this extraordinary metropolis.
*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/)*