**Reflecting on Nine Months of Life in London**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my residency in London. Although it might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained considerable insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized not only by its varied accommodation opportunities but also by the vibrant communities that inhabit it. Students here enjoy a wide array of housing selections. From student residences to private rentals, choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students find it easy to arrange apartment viewings, while international peers can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible living options online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.

In my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London, keen to stay near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport network is exceptional, encompassing the Underground (the Tube), buses, and train services, facilitating seamless movement between zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on buses or the Tube. Nonetheless, utilizing an Oyster card has rendered commuting to university much more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on the distance and pricing structure of each train operator.

Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steeper living expenses attributed to its closeness to major attractions. Luckily, I was attending the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rental costs. I decided on intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more challenging with private accommodations.

A significant consideration for me was to be near grocery stores. Some of the more prominent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is invaluable, especially during exam seasons when every second is important.

Deciding on the ideal neighborhood to call home can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in the city’s cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling location filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the culturally vibrant neighborhoods that London has to offer.

In conclusion, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for accommodation in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore its cultural quarters, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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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/)

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