**Reflections on Nine Months in London: A Student’s Perspective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire significant understanding of life in this dynamic metropolis. London is not only famed for its various housing alternatives but also for the rich mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of accommodation choices, ranging from student housing to private rentals. Options include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is easy, whereas international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate properties online. These websites offer information regarding amenities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the process for those who lack familiarity with the city.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
In my search for housing, I focused on finding a spot in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social gatherings, and, most crucially, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s comprehensive transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates navigation among zones.
To reduce travel expenses, I preferred to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily. However, the Oyster card proved to be an economical choice for university-related travel. For longer routes, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, though ticket prices vary according to distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also comes with steep living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been much harder to find in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widespread, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students on a budget. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during hectic times like exam periods, conserving both time and energy.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be difficult, given the city’s vastness and diversity. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, providing a range of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that symbolize the comfort of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End presents a vibrant atmosphere filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal living situation in London hinges on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing options, its cultural wealth, or its convenience, London possesses offerings for everyone. My suggestion? Embrace the adventure, explore various neighbourhoods, and dive into the excitement of this extraordinary city.
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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/)