**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not seem extensive, it has given me ample opportunity to gain insights about this dynamic city. London boasts a rich diversity not only in housing options but also in the array of communities that inhabit it. Students have a multitude of options readily available. Whether you prefer student accommodation or private rentals, there’s a variety of choices including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly straightforward. In contrast, international students can turn to websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover available lodgings online, review amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London, as I wanted to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating the city and traveling between zones quite convenient. I was eager to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. The Oyster card options have been instrumental in making trips to the university far more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to primary attractions, yet it also incurs elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation with the hope of connecting with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that’s often tougher to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options including Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in the city’s cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London is famed for its sizable South Asian population, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling center filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples are merely a glimpse into the many cultural precincts that lend London its distinctive character.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new residence or simply exploring the city, take in the variety and vibrancy of London’s housing options, uncover its cultural neighbourhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this remarkable city provides.
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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/)*