**Exploring Life in London: My Journey as a Master’s Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may appear brief, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge about the city in that time. London is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known not only for its vast array of accommodation choices but also for the multitude of communities that inhabit it. Students here are truly spoiled for options when it comes to housing. Whether you seek student dormitories or private rentals, there is no shortage of selections—from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is an easy task, whereas international scholars can take advantage of websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate their prospective homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
When I started looking for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. I wanted to be near the city’s main attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—including the underground (or tube), buses, and trains—making it simple to traverse these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low since traveling between zones can set one back up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. That said, the Oyster card options have made getting to university far more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside the central zone. Fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance covered and the particular fare system of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near major attractions, but it also brings about higher living expenses. Luckily, I was in university with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. Personally, I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was enthusiastic about meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that can be harder to find in private rentals.
One of my must-haves when selecting a living space was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential amenities like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Determining the ideal neighborhood to call home can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural scene, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. In contrast, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of the many diverse neighborhoods waiting to be explored in London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London largely depends on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on the journey to find a new home in this city, take time to appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city 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/)