### My Nine-Month Experience in London: Insights Gained
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I celebrated the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although this duration isn’t particularly lengthy, it has afforded me some invaluable lessons. London presents itself as an energetic and varied city, not solely concerning its housing choices but also its lively communities. Students are truly spoiled for options when it comes to accommodation, spanning from student halls to private rentals. These include ensuite rooms, shared or private accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses.
For home students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite easy. On the other hand, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial information, making the transition smoother for those coming from abroad.
### Locating the Suitable Place to Reside
When I set out to find a place to live, I targeted a room in Central London. My intention was to be near the city’s main attractions, social spots, and, most critically, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s superb transportation network, which comprises the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, simplifies travel across different zones.
That said, I aimed to keep my travel costs down, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For longer trips, I discovered that employing an Oyster card significantly reduced commuting expenses. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. The expense of inter-zone travel on these services fluctuates based on distance and the specific fare structure of the train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also leads to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room. This setup allowed us to substantially cut down on rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student housing, as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private accommodation.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a high priority. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also widely accessible. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely advantageous, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s multicultural communities are essential to its cultural makeup, providing a rich array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke feelings of home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, with a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Concluding Reflections
Ultimately, the finest area to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you’re assessing housing possibilities, diving into the city’s cultural richness, or simply relishing the conveniences of city life, London offers something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore the vibrancy of its neighborhoods, and make the most of this astonishing city.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized 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/)*