**Settling in London: Reflections After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. While it may not appear as an extended period, it has granted me the opportunity to acquire significant insights about living in this lively city. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the energetic communities that reside within it. For students, the city presents a myriad of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices feature ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling apartment viewings is generally simple. In contrast, international students can depend on resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential homes online. These platforms supply information regarding amenities, public transport accessibility, and other crucial details.
When I initiated my quest for a residence, I was eager to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation network—including the Underground (affectionately referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across zones. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as much as £5.25. To cut down on commuting expenses, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides economical travel choices for students.
Alongside the Tube, services like London Overground and National Rail stretch beyond the central areas, offering access to outer zones. Travel prices on these services vary based on distance and the fare policies of the service providers. Although residing in Central London grants unmatched access to attractions, it comes with a steep cost of living. To better manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I decided to stay in intercollegiate student housing to connect with fellow students from different backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Access to grocery stores was another important consideration for me. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-conscious choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students looking to economize. Living conveniently close to essential shops and pharmacies was particularly beneficial during exam times when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming. The city’s immense cultural diversity is mirrored in its ethnic communities, each presenting a distinct experience. For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean influence and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the vibrant West End of London serves as a bustling center filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These areas offer a sense of familiarity for international students while highlighting the multicultural fabric of London.
In the end, the ideal neighborhood in London depends on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you find yourself drawn to the city’s cultural pockets or its central attractions, London provides a vast array of housing options to meet various needs. Embrace the diversity, discover the richness of its neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.
*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/)*