**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Assessment**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my life in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, it has provided me with ample opportunity to grasp various aspects of living in this dynamic city. London boasts a rich diversity not only in housing options but also among the numerous communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, a plethora of housing alternatives is readily available. Whether in search of student accommodations or private housing, options abound, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students find it quite easy to arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout potential residences online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I was determined to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to stay near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is laid out in six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport system, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates seamless travel across these zones. However, I sought to limit my travel expenses since traveling between zones may cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, carrying an Oyster card can considerably lower travel costs, especially for university journeys. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare structure of each train provider.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails higher living expenses attributable to the city’s key attractions. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which enabled us to make significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as I wished to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
One of my main concerns was living near grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential retail outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly handy, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in isn’t straightforward. The ethnic communities of London are instrumental to its cultural fabric, providing a colorful spectrum of diverse areas. Numerous international students gravitate toward neighborhoods that remind them of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian presence and is dotted with various Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Additionally, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a vibrant selection of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the myriad cultural enclaves present in London.
In the end, the most suitable area to inhabit in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new abode in this lively city, take the opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, dive into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)