**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem like an extensive duration, it has allowed me to discover some aspects of this dynamic city. London presents a myriad of housing options, catering to its varied communities. Students have numerous alternatives available right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing feature a wide range of choices, such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is a simple task, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
While I was on the hunt for a place to stay, my main objective was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. The transportation network in the city is exceptional, with the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains allowing for easy navigation. Personally, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. To save some money, I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card can greatly lessen commuting expenses for university students. Apart from the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond Central London, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and the particular operator’s fare policies.
Residing in Central London provides the added advantage of accessibility to significant attractions; however, this also results in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. Additionally, I preferred intercollegiate student housing as it enabled me to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging with private accommodations.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, which is particularly beneficial during hectic examination seasons.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-centric neighbourhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. When seeking a new place to call home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
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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/)*