**My Nine-Month Journey Residing in London**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Around nine months ago, I began my adventure of living in London. Although this timeframe might appear brief, it has provided me with significant experiences of the city. London is an expansive and eclectic metropolis, presenting an array of housing alternatives and lively communities. Particularly for students, the variety of accommodation is impressive, including options such as student residences and private rentals. These encompass ensuite and shared bathroom facilities, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging in-person viewings is quite simple, while international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, evaluate amenities, and gauge their distance from public transport.
During my quest for a living space, my top priority was securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. The robust public transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can incur high costs, with daily fares amounting to as much as £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For extended journeys, the Oyster card presents budget-friendly travel alternatives for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside of central London. Fares for these services differ according to distance and the pricing policies of the respective train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This decision greatly lessened our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups—an aspect that can be more difficult to find in private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was also a significant consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential amenities like supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. The ethnic communities of London are intricately woven into its culture, creating unique neighbourhoods that display their heritage. Many international students tend to gravitate toward locations that evoke a sense of familiarity. For example, Southall in West London is home to a considerable South Asian population, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End boasts a lively ambiance filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural events. These locales are merely a few instances of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are investigating housing choices, delving into cultural neighbourhoods, or simply relishing the city’s vibrancy, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the diversity, richness, and convenience of this extraordinary city as you embark on the search for your new home.
—
**About the Author**
*Guest Blogger*
**Categories:** [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
**Tags:** [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/)