**Nine Months in London: A Journey Through Housing and Community**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has allowed me to deeply engage with the city’s lively culture and acquire substantial insights into its distinctive lifestyle. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized by a plethora of accommodation choices and a wide array of communities. For students, the city provides numerous housing alternatives, from student halls to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can easily arrange in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on online platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport facilities.
At the outset of my housing quest, I focused on finding a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus were my primary concerns. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two representing the most central areas. The city’s outstanding public transport system—comprising the Underground (known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones. However, traveling between zones can incur significant costs, with daily fares potentially reaching £5.25. To keep travel expenses down, I often walked shorter distances rather than using public transportation. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical option. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones. Fare prices for these services depend on the distance traveled and the fare policies of individual train operators.
Living in Central London offers a multitude of benefits yet also presents certain challenges, particularly regarding the high living expenses. To alleviate costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I decided to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, as these provided opportunities to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a diversity often missing in private housing.
One of my essential requirements was residing close to grocery stores. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops and pharmacies within reach saves invaluable time, especially during exam periods when time is of the essence.
Selecting the right neighbourhood to reside in is a challenging endeavor. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in shaping its cultural identity, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students are drawn to areas that echo the familiarity of their native cultures. For example, Southall in West London is famed for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated district filled with Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are just a glimpse of the city’s cultural diversity.
In the end, the most suitable area for living in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new residence or merely discovering the city, embrace the richness and diversity of London’s accommodation choices, dive into its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city 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/)*