**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to gain several important insights about this vibrant city. London is famous not just for its wide variety of housing options but also for its lively communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing possibilities, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule in-person viewings, while those from abroad can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport services.
When I commenced my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near major sites, social centers, and most significantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exemplary transportation network—including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between zones. However, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily expenses soaring up to £5.25. To cut costs, I opted for walking shorter distances rather than relying on public transportation. For university journeys, discounted Oyster card options emerged as a financially sensible solution. Beyond the Tube, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the central zones, with fares differing based on distance and the fare structure of the operating companies.
Residing in Central London brings the additional hurdle of elevated living expenses, but I managed to find ways to alleviate costs. Sharing a room with a friend significantly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, which enabled me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age demographics—an experience that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial element for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly available, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present more economical choices. Living in close proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, proved invaluable, particularly during hectic exam periods when time is critical.
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s immense cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each providing a distinct experience. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London depends on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you’re investigating the city’s wide-ranging accommodation options, immersing yourself in its cultural communities, or enjoying the convenience of its well-connected transportation system, London has something for everyone. Embrace the diversity, richness, and excitement of this extraordinary city as you seek your ideal home.
*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/)*