**Residing in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Though this may appear to be a brief period, it has afforded me the opportunity to acquire significant perspectives on life within this dynamic city. Known for its extensive accommodation options, London also boasts rich and multicultural communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing selections, which vary from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While domestic students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to examine properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport links.
When I initiated my accommodation search, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social centers, and my university—Imperial College London—was vital. London comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s exceptional public transport network, featuring the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between these zones. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching up to £5.25. To reduce travel expenses, I often opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card proved to be an economical choice. Beyond the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond central zones, although fares fluctuate based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London, however, entails a significant financial commitment. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also a university student. This arrangement greatly lowered our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that is more challenging to attain in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another critical aspect of my decision-making. Widely recognized supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, whereas budget options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops and pharmacies proved to be a substantial time-saver, especially during hectic exam seasons.
Selecting the right district in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural diversity, providing an array of distinctive neighborhoods. A significant number of international students are drawn to areas that echo the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, positioned in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Conversely, Chinatown in the West End presents a lively hub of Chinese dining places, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods exemplify just a portion of the cultural wealth that London provides.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on individual tastes and priorities. Whether you’re exploring housing options, engaging within cultural enclaves, or simply relishing the city’s vibrant atmosphere, London has something for everyone. My time here has been a journey of exploration, and I eagerly anticipate discovering even more of what this extraordinary city holds.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*Categorized 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/)