**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a brief period, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful knowledge about life in this dynamic and multifaceted city. London is renowned not only for its extensive variety of housing options but also for the vibrant cultural mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, which include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While local students can readily schedule in-person apartment viewings, international students frequently depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
As I commenced my search for accommodation, my enthusiasm was toward securing a room in Central London. Being close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and my educational institution at Imperial College was of utmost importance. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s superb transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates simple navigation. However, traveling between zones can be costly, with expenses reaching up to £5.25 per day. To economize on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transit. For more extended journeys, an Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly choice. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach outer zones, though fares fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To alleviate costs, I decided to share a room with a companion, which brought our rent down considerably. I chose intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics—an opportunity that private rentals might not have readily provided.
One of my key considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, proved essential, particularly during hectic exam periods when time is a luxury.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is a formidable challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural vibrancy, contributing a variety of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students find themselves drawn to areas that mirror the comfort of their home nations. For instance, Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant musical atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling collective of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a glimpse of the cultural richness London has to offer.
Ultimately, the ideal residence in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re discovering the city’s varied accommodation choices, immersing yourself in its cultural districts, or reveling in the ease of its transport connections, London presents a distinctive and enriching journey. Welcome the diversity, and take full advantage of this extraordinary city.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*