**Experiencing Life in London: Insights and Reflections**

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

Just a few days back, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained significant understanding throughout this time. London is an ever-evolving city, not just regarding its multifaceted housing choices but also in the plethora of communities that inhabit it. Students here have an abundance of options, with various types of accommodation readily available. Be it student residences or private living spaces, one can discover everything from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is simple, while international students can make use of services such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout potential homes online, evaluate available services, and determine their distance from public transport.

When I started my hunt for a living space, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My aim was to stay near the city’s prime attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient transport system—featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. Nevertheless, I sought to lower my transport expenses since commuting can tally up to £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk short distances rather than relying on the bus or Tube. That being said, utilizing an Oyster card has made traveling to university considerably more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, providing access to areas outside the central zone. The fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance covered and the specific fare framework of the train operator.

Residing in Central London brings the advantage of proximity to major landmarks, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share accommodations, which significantly slashed our rent. I decided on intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a combination that might have been more difficult to find in private residences.

For me, living close to grocery stores was of utmost importance. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time, especially during hectic times like exams.

Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are significant components of the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant mixture of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of the many cultural hubs London has to offer.

Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new abode in this city, embrace the diversity and depth of housing selections, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish 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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