**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not be a long duration, I’ve gained substantial insights during this time. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, offering a wealth of housing choices and a variety of communities that define it. Students have numerous options when it comes to living arrangements. Whether considering student accommodations or private leases, there’s an extensive selection available, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social centers, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus was essential. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, with the Underground (affectionately known as the Tube), buses, and trains facilitating easy travel. Nonetheless, I aimed to cut back on travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. To save money, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has considerably eased the cost of commuting to university. Furthermore, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground, encompassing regions outside central London. Fare costs for these services fluctuate based on the distance and the pricing system of each rail operator.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which enabled us to save significantly on rent. I personally leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that’s often more challenging with private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Some widely-known supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves considerable time when doing errands, particularly during hectic times like exam sessions.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural makeup, presenting a delightful array of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas resembling their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring plenty of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the West End, is a bustling district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of the myriad neighborhoods that London has to offer.
In the end, the most suitable area to stay in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this city, celebrate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London provides.
—
*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/)