**Residing in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked nine months of my residence in London. While this time frame may appear brief, I’ve gained substantial insights throughout this journey. London is an ever-evolving and multicultural metropolis, characterized not only by its diverse housing options but also by the lively communities residing here. Especially for students, there is an extensive range of housing alternatives available. Whether it’s student accommodations or private rentals, the choices include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students have an easy time booking apartment viewings, while international students often utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for available housing online, check amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transit.
When I commenced my search for accommodation, I set my sights on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be in proximity to the city’s prominent attractions, popular social venues, and, of course, Imperial College’s campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city is equipped with an efficient transportation network—including the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy travel across the zones. Personally, I preferred to keep travel expenses low, as commuting between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have made university commuting more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central region. Fares for these services differ, contingent on the distance and fare structure of the specific train operating company.
Residing in Central London provides the advantage of closeness to significant attractions, but it also brings about higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic harder to achieve in private rentals.
A major priority for me was proximity to grocery stores. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be challenging. London’s rich ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural tapestry, featuring numerous neighborhoods to discover. Many international students seek solace in familiar atmospheres upon arriving in London. For instance, Southall in West London is known for its large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, has a strong Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a bustling hub filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These illustrate just a few of the multitude of community-centric neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London is dictated by your individual interests and preferences. As you embark on the quest for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace its diversity and the wealth of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London affords.
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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/)*