**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months have passed since I began my experience of residing in London. Though this duration might not appear significant, it has provided me with several important insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is not just famous for its varied housing choices but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of accommodation options, including student residences and private rentals. These options feature ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. While local students can conveniently arrange face-to-face viewings for apartments, international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings online, review facilities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
When I initiated my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain close to key attractions, vibrant social areas, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (the “Tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between these zones. However, traveling between zones can add up in costs, with inter-zonal travel prices soaring to £5.25 per day. To cut down on costs, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that Oyster card options notably lowered travel expenses. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching outer zones. While fares can vary based on distance and train company, these services offer greater accessibility for those residing further from Central London.
Residing in Central London, however, comes with a high price. To keep expenses in check, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This setup allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations because I was eager to connect with peers from a range of backgrounds and similar ages—a goal that is often more challenging with private rentals.
The closeness to grocery stores was another crucial factor for me. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also broadly available. Living within easy reach of essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies turned out to be a great time-saver, particularly during exam seasons when every minute is precious.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a multitude of distinctive areas to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to neighborhoods reminiscent of their homeland. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London showcases a lively Afro-Caribbean culture and a vibrant music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of the varied neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London relies on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to cultural enclaves, the convenience of central living, or the affordability of outer zones, London provides something for everyone. Embrace the variety of accommodation options in the city, immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry, and relish the thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.
**By Guest Blogger**
*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/)