**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient for me to glean some significant insights about living in this dynamic city. London boasts a remarkable variety of housing options as well as a myriad of communities. For students, there is an abundance of choices available in terms of accommodation. Whether you’re in search of student housing or private leases, options range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared homes. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for potential apartments, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for their future residences online, view amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
In my own quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key sights, social areas, and very importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones. Nonetheless, I wanted to limit my travel expenses, as crossing zones may cost as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I decided to walk short distances rather than use public transport. Nevertheless, options like the Oyster card have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Tube system, reaching areas outside central London. The costs for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific pricing scheme of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation as I wanted to connect with students from a range of backgrounds and similar ages—something that’s more challenging with private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was a key concern for me. Some of the prominent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, including grocery stores and pharmacies, is incredibly beneficial, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London are an essential aspect of the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a rich tapestry of neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian dining spots, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a glimpse of the varied neighbourhoods that contribute to London’s diversity.
In the end, the optimal area to reside in is determined by your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s richness and discover its diverse accommodation possibilities. Dedicate time to explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has in store.
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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/)