**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Not long ago, I achieved the milestone of nine months living in London. While nine months might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I have accumulated a considerable amount of knowledge throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its extensive selection of housing options but also by the richness of its communities. Students here enjoy abundant choices at their disposal. Whether considering student accommodations or private rentals, options vary from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and consider their proximity to public transport.
In my own quest for a living arrangement, I concentrated on securing a room to rent in Central London. My goal was to be near significant attractions, social centers, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates movement around and between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my transport expenses, as traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 each day. I frequently opted to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or Tube. However, an Oyster card has significantly reduced my commuting costs to university. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare framework of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations with the hope of connecting with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a connection that would have been more challenging with private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a wide range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, provides a bustling selection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of the numerous community-centric neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the best place to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this city, celebrate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)