**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though that might not sound extensive, it has been sufficient for me to gather some insights about this lively city. London boasts a rich variety not only in housing options but also in its diverse communities. Students here have plenty of choices at their disposal, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, showcasing everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to studio flats and shared houses. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, while international students can use resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to navigate potential housing options online, review available features, and evaluate access to public transport.

As I started my quest for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s main attractions, social spots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s remarkable public transport network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. However, I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or Tube. That said, Oyster card options have rendered university commuting more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system. The charges for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure employed by the train operator.

Residing in Central London presents its advantages alongside elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly eased our rental financial burden. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the chance to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend harder to come by in private rentals.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time, especially when managing errands during the exam period.

Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be challenging. The city’s ethnic groups significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich tapestry of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students choose areas that reflect their heritage. For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, boasts a vibrant mix of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a few of the many community-driven neighbourhoods available in London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you seek a new residence in this city, invest time discovering its varied accommodation offerings, immerse yourself in its cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.

*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/)

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