**Nine Months in London: Lessons Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant lessons about life in this dynamic city. London is famed not just for its varied housing options but also for its rich mosaic of cultures. For students, numerous accommodation alternatives exist, from student housing to private leases. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students find it easy to arrange viewings, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate facilities, and determine their distance to public transport.
When I initiated my search for accommodation, my priority was securing a room in Central London. Proximity to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial College’s campus was essential. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The superb transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel among the various zones. Yet, moving between zones can be pricey, with daily travel costs soaring to £5.25. To cut down on expenses, I preferred walking shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card was crucial in minimizing travel expenses. Additionally, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside the central zone. Ticket prices for these services depend on distance and the specific train company.
Residing in Central London offers great advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, which allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a vibe that’s often tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was another critical consideration for me. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops and pharmacies was especially beneficial during exam times when every minute counted.
Choosing the right area in London can be daunting, given the city’s cultural richness. London’s ethnic groups are foundational to its character, providing a vibrant array of cultural experiences. Many international students tend to flock to neighborhoods that echo the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is popular for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and energetic music culture. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods barely scratch the surface of London’s lively cultural regions.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and needs. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse accommodation choices, its cultural vibrancy, or its convenience, London has something to offer everyone. Dive into the experience of seeking your new home, traverse the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, and immerse yourself in the thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.
*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/)*