**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with valuable lessons about life in this dynamic city. London is famed not only for its broad range of housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a multitude of living arrangements, from student accommodations to private leases. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. While domestic students can easily arrange in-person viewings, international students typically depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
As I initiated my hunt for accommodation, my priority was securing a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near significant attractions, social areas, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily fares climbing to £5.25. To economize on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides more budget-friendly travel alternatives for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Travel fees on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure.
Dwelling in Central London has its advantages but also comes with elevated living costs. To control expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also in university. This decision substantially cut down our rent. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age categories—a scenario that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while budget-conscious choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living within proximity to essential shops and pharmacies turned out to be a significant time-saver, especially during hectic exam times.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural essence, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods to investigate. Numerous international students tend to favor areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing vendors. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and energetic music atmosphere. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End is a lively center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods represent just a few examples of the cultural hotspots that make London exceptional.
In the end, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re on the lookout for a new home or merely roaming the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing alternatives, immerse yourself in its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary 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/)*