**My Journey of Residing in London for Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of living in London for nine months. Although this duration may not appear extensive, I have gained a substantial amount of knowledge during this time. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its array of housing alternatives but also by the varied communities that make it their home. Students, especially, enjoy an abundance of housing possibilities at their disposal. Be it student accommodations or private rentals, there is something to suit everyone’s needs—whether you seek ensuite or shared bathrooms, private or communal rooms, studio flats, or shared houses. For local students, arranging apartment viewings is an easy task, while international students can depend on online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to look for their future residences, review facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, my priority was to find a room for rent in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s major attractions, social centers, and, notably, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates getting around. Nevertheless, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as moving between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently preferred walking short distances instead of utilizing the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, carrying an Oyster card has significantly decreased my commuting expenses to the university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. The pricing for inter-zone travel on these services differs based on distance and the specific train company’s fare structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, a university friend and I opted to share a room, which allowed us to substantially cut down on rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that would have been harder to find in the private rental market.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, presenting a wide array of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, offers an extensive selection of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of the community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges upon your personal preferences and interests. While searching for your new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing landscape, delve into its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this exceptional 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/)