**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London, and while it might not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with valuable insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing selections but also for the diverse array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a broad spectrum of housing alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. While local students can conveniently arrange in-person visits, international students can rely on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate their nearness to public transportation.
When I initiated my quest for a residence, my main focus was on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to be near key attractions, social spots, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College London. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of the city. The city’s superb transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can become pricey, costing as much as £5.25 per day. To cut down on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card has proved indispensable, markedly lowering travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones, although ticket prices differ based on the distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London brings its advantages but also elevated living expenses. To alleviate costs, my friend and I opted to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—a dynamic that’s typically more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was another essential aspect for me. Some of the leading supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are excellent for budget-friendly shopping. Being close to necessary stores, including pharmacies, is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vast assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling centre of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods that enhance London’s uniqueness.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London is determined by your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s various housing options, its cultural communities, or the convenience of its transportation networks, London possesses something for everyone. Celebrate the city’s diversity, explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill of residing in one of the globe’s most extraordinary cities.
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*By Guest Blogger*
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/)