### Thoughts on Nine Months of Residing in London
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While this period might not seem extensive, it has provided me with invaluable perspectives on life within this lively and dynamic metropolis. London is famed not only for its diverse housing alternatives but also for the rich cultural mosaic of its communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of accommodation selections, ranging from student residences to private lettings. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. While local students can easily schedule in-person viewings, international students frequently depend on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transportation.
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London. My aspiration was to remain near key attractions, social nuclei, and, most significantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city offers an outstanding transportation system, including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, making it relatively simple to navigate between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs soaring to £5.25. To save on transport expenses, I often opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For lengthier journeys, I discovered that the Oyster card served as a budget-friendly option. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, providing wider connectivity. However, fares for these services differ depending on distance and the pricing framework of the operator.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. To alleviate costs, I decided to share a room with a friend who was also pursuing university studies. This arrangement considerably minimized our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to encounter peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that is often more challenging to find in private lettings.
Proximity to grocery stores was another significant consideration for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-conscious choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential stores, including pharmacies, proved invaluable, especially during hectic exam periods when time is limited.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is no simple feat. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a range of unique neighborhoods. A multitude of international students tend to gravitate toward areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations. For example, Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End delivers a lively enclave of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many culturally rich neighborhoods London offers.
Ultimately, the best locality to reside in London depends on one’s personal tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the diversity of its communities, the convenience of its transport options, or the allure of its cultural centers, London possesses something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diverse accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and capitalize on the opportunities this extraordinary metropolis has to provide.
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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/)*