**Living in London: My Journey After Nine Months**

*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not seem extensive, I’ve gained a wealth of experience in that time. London is an energetic and multifaceted city, characterized not only by its diverse living arrangements but also by the lively communities residing within it. Students are truly fortunate to have numerous options for housing. Whether considering student accommodation or private leasing, there’s a variety of choices available, ranging from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse listings, evaluate facilities, and determine closeness to public transport.

As I navigated the process of finding housing, my preference was for a room situated in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s main sights, social activities, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a remarkable transport network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and transit between zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can accrue charges up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. However, possessing an Oyster card can greatly lower commuting costs for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend well beyond the Underground’s boundaries, reaching areas outside central London. The ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the train operator.

Residing in Central London offers various advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a companion, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation because I wanted to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that might have been more challenging to find in private rentals.

Accessibility to grocery shops was another crucial factor for me. Common supermarket chains in London incorporate Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while wallet-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in close proximity to essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies provides a significant time advantage, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in is a challenging task. The ethnic communities in London play an integral role in the city’s cultural fabric, creating a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek out areas that provide a touch of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, complete with various Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. In contrast, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, features a bustling community filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the diverse neighborhoods that contribute to London’s distinctive living experience.

In the end, the most suitable place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home within this city, I suggest embracing the variety and richness of London’s housing options, delving into its cultural enclaves, and relishing the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city offers.

*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/)

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