**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While it may appear brief, I have gained several important insights during this period. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, offering not only a variety of housing choices but also lively community networks. For students, accommodations are abundant and easily accessible. Whether one considers student residences or private rentals, options range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange in-person viewings, while international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate properties online, examine amenities, and assess distance to public transport.
At the outset of my accommodation search, I focused on finding a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s significant landmarks, social venues, and, of course, the Imperial College campus was essential. London consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city offers an outstanding public transport network, incorporating the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation. Nonetheless, I was determined to keep my travel expenses down, as inter-zonal travel could rack up as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made university commuting considerably more budget-friendly. Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the central zones, with fares for these options varying based on distance and train operator.
Living in Central London presents its advantages, yet it also entails heightened living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I wished to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and around the same age—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
For me, being close to grocery shops was essential. Some of the most popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Proximity to vital shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, proves immensely convenient, particularly during hectic periods such as exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic groups play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students search for locales that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End serves as a bustling center for Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the myriad neighborhoods that comprise London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal tastes and requirements. As you embark on the quest for your new dwelling in this remarkable city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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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/)