**Experiencing Life in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may seem like just a short period, I’ve gained considerable insights into life within this dynamic city. London boasts not only a variety of housing options but also an array of communities that inhabit it. Students, particularly, are presented with numerous choices, spanning from student accommodation to private rentals. Options include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while international students often navigate platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible lodgings, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
When initiating my quest for housing, I aimed for a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social centers, and, naturally, Imperial’s campus was important to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nevertheless, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can amount to up to £5.25 a day. To cut costs, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transit. That being said, the Oyster card system has made commuting to the university more economical. In addition to the Tube, London Overground and National Rail services cater to areas beyond central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living costs due to its closeness to major attractions. Fortunately, I managed to share rent with a friend, significantly lowering our housing expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the opportunity to connect with other students from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that might be rarer in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the more popular supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural identity, crafting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students often gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, providing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, teems with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few of the myriad community-focused neighborhoods within the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges upon your individual preferences and needs. As you embark on the search for your new home in this vibrant city, make sure to delve into the diverse accommodation opportunities, engage with its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill that London presents.
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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/)*