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

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

Recently, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve already gathered a wealth of knowledge about this vibrant city. London is celebrated not only for its myriad housing choices but also for the varied communities that inhabit it. Students have a plethora of options available, from student lodgings to private rentals, encompassing features such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is seamless, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing online, examine facilities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.

As I embarked on my search for accommodation, my goal was to find a room in Central London. I wished to stay close to the city’s key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional transport network—featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk smaller distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has streamlined my commute to the university, making it significantly more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London’s Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground domain, reaching areas outside of central London. The charges for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare scheme of the train operator.

Living in Central London has its advantages, but it accompanies greater living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I leaned toward intercollegiate student housing, as I was eager to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging to accomplish in private accommodation.

A key factor for me was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives including Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial facilities like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. The diverse ethnic communities of London constitute a vital aspect of the city’s cultural milieu, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that offer familiarity from home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian presence, with an abundance of Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighborhoods in London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this city, relish in the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore its cultural hubs, and take pleasure in the ease and excitement that London provides.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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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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