**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months may appear fleeting, it has been sufficient for me to gain several important insights about life in this dynamic city. London is rich not only in its variety of accommodation choices, but also in the diverse communities that make it their home. Students, in particular, have a myriad of options at their disposal. From student accommodation to private rentals, there are countless alternatives, such as ensuite rooms, shared properties, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, evaluate amenities, and consider accessibility to public transportation.
In my own quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to reside near the city’s key attractions, vibrant social spaces, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an extensive public transport network, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies travel across these zones. Nonetheless, I wanted to keep my travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. That said, an Oyster card greatly lessens travel costs for university journeys. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, with fares fluctuating based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I managed to share a room with a friend, which allowed us both to save significantly on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that can be more difficult in private rentals.
A key factor in selecting where to live was the convenience of nearby grocery stores. Major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living in close proximity to essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s expansiveness and diversity. The ethnic communities in London play an essential role in its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their home countries. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its sizable South Asian population, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional fabric shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling hub of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the many community-focused neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to live in London relies on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new residence or simply exploring the city, welcome the diversity and depth of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary 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/)