**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of living in London, and although it might not appear to be an extended period, it has sufficed for me to accumulate some significant insights. London is a city that flourishes with vibrancy—not only through its varied accommodation choices but also through the rich mosaic of communities that reside within it. For scholars, the city presents an abundance of housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can easily arrange physical viewings, international students take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, which provide virtual property tours, amenities details, and information on public transport accessibility.
At the outset of my search for accommodation, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. The nearness to key attractions, vibrant social spots, and the Imperial College campus was paramount for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transit system—encompassing the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To economize on travel expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the Tube or buses. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making transportation more economical for students. In addition to the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail connect to areas beyond central London, though ticket prices vary based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London indeed comes with a hefty price, but I was fortunate to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as my aim was to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—an opportunity that private rentals might not have yielded.
Accessibility to grocery stores was also a crucial consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while wallet-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland appeal to students aiming to cut expenses. Living close to essential stores and pharmacies proved particularly handy during exam times when every minute counts.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s vast cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic enclaves, each providing a distinct experience. Numerous international students gravitate towards locales that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, showcases a variety of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods are merely a handful of samples illustrating the city’s multicultural landscape.
Ultimately, the optimal area for living in London largely relies on your personal likes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its convenience, or its lively atmosphere, London provides a little something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, explore the wealth of housing choices, and take full advantage of this remarkable 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/)*