**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of experiences during this time. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, exhibiting not only a range of housing choices but also vibrant communities. Students are presented with a myriad of housing alternatives at their disposal. Whether seeking student residences or private housing, options abound, including ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, private rooms, studio flats, or shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can browse websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check out prospective accommodations online, review the facilities, and evaluate the closeness to public transportation.
When I started searching for a residence, my priority was securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social spots, and, notably, Imperial College’s campus. London comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two considered the most central. The city boasts an impressive transport system, featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement between these zones. However, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. To cut down on costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of using public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options provide economical commuting solutions for university travel. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside Central London. The fares for these services vary based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London presents advantages—closeness to major attractions—but also comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I also favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age demographics—a feat that would have been more difficult in private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the widely recognized supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time during errand runs, particularly in the hectic exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities form a key part of its cultural identity, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community with numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is an animated locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-centered neighborhoods scattered throughout London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to settle in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this remarkable city, embrace the variety of accommodation choices, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has to offer.
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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/)*