**Experiencing London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though it may appear to be a brief period, it has afforded me meaningful reflections on life in this energetic city. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, not only due to its varied accommodation options but also the vibrant cultural communities that reside here. For academics, the city provides a wealth of housing possibilities, ranging from student lodgings to private rentals, which include ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is a simple process, while international students can turn to resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These platforms offer information regarding facilities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial details to assist students in making educated choices about their upcoming residences.
When I initiated my search for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near major landmarks, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an outstanding transport system—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates travel between these zones. Nevertheless, transport costs can accumulate rapidly, with inter-zonal fares reaching up to £5.25 each day. To conserve funds, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For lengthier journeys, I discovered that employing an Oyster card greatly minimized travel costs.
Besides the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the core zones, enhancing connectivity. However, the fares for these services fluctuate based on the distance covered and the pricing strategies of the respective train operators.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I chose to share a room with a fellow student. This setup enabled us to divide the rent and save substantially. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, as I sought to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that is often more difficult to attain in private rentals.
Closeness to grocery stores was another important aspect for me. London boasts a range of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential shops and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam periods when every minute counts.
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s multicultural fabric is a vital component of its allure, showcasing a vibrant collection of neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that echo their native cultures. For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and thriving music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural richness that London presents.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural pockets, its convenience, or its limitless excitement, London has something to offer everyone. Embrace the variety of its housing options, discover its distinctive neighborhoods, and optimize your experience in this extraordinary city.
—
*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/)*