**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. While this might not appear extensive, it has certainly given me the opportunity to acquire and experience a wealth of insights about this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied accommodation choices but also for the rich cultural fabric of its communities. For students, the city provides a vast array of housing options, ranging from student residences to private leases, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, whereas international scholars can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to peruse properties online. These resources offer comprehensive details about facilities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial aspects, streamlining the searching process.
When I initiated my quest for housing, my aim was to secure a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial College was vital for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel among the zones. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25. To cut down on transportation expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card presents economical travel options for students.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the central zones, though fare costs for these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of the operating company. While the convenience of Central London is unparalleled, the living expenses in this region are considerably higher. To navigate costs, I opted to share a room with a mate, which aided us in reducing rent. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with colleagues from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that is more challenging with private rentals.
Access to grocery stores was another significant consideration for me. London offers a plethora of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during busy times like exams, as it saves time on errands.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are a vital aspect of its cultural essence, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to favor areas that evoke memories of home. For example, Southall in West London is famous for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant hub populated with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a handful of examples of the city’s extensive diversity.
In the end, the most suitable place to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are seeking a new residence or simply exploring the city, embrace the diversity of London’s accommodation choices, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the unique experiences 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/)*