**Experiencing Life in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I relocated to London, and although it may not appear to be a significant duration, it has provided me the opportunity to discover a few aspects of residing in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing possibilities but also for its diverse cultural communities. Students are presented with numerous housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private residences. These choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
When I started my hunt for a living space, my main aim was to secure a room in Central London. Living centrally allowed me to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the heart of the city. The city boasts an exceptional transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy movement between zones. Nonetheless, travel between zones can amount to £5.25 daily, prompting me to cut travel costs by opting to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides economical travel solutions for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London, albeit with fare variations based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages but accompanies steep living expenses. To economize on rent, I chose to share a room with a fellow university student. This partnership led to a significant reduction in our costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets—an endeavor that is more challenging with private housing.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial consideration for me. Some of the most frequented supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are equally popular. Living in proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves substantial time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can pose a challenge, given the city’s astounding diversity. The ethnic communities of London contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke fond memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Concurrently, Chinatown in the core of London’s West End stands as a lively centre of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the city’s lively community neighbourhoods.
Ultimately, the most suitable place to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are in search of a new residence or delving into the cultural enclaves of the city, London provides an abundance of accommodation choices and experiences. Embrace the diversity, relish the convenience, and maximize your time 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/)*