**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months have passed since I relocated to London—though it may seem brief, it has been ample time to glean important insights about living in this lively metropolis. London is famed not only for its wide range of housing solutions but also for the rich array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city provides an extensive variety of accommodation options, from student housing to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite or shared bathrooms, private or shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. While home students can easily arrange in-person viewings, international students often turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties virtually, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport links.
When I initiated my quest for a residence, my priority was to secure a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College was essential. London is partitioned into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel among zones. However, moving between zones can incur significant costs, with daily travel expenses reaching as much as £5.25. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card considerably cuts travel expenses for students. In addition to the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the central zones, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the train carrier.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also come with steep living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I chose to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was another essential factor for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more economical alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near crucial stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, proves especially advantageous during hectic times like exam periods, as it saves both time and effort on errands.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task, given that the city’s ethnic communities greatly enhance its cultural landscape. Many international students tend to favor areas that provide a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods exemplify just a fraction of London’s rich cultural quarters.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re navigating the city’s diverse accommodation options, immersing yourself in its multicultural neighbourhoods, or relishing the ease of its outstanding transport links, London presents a unique and thrilling adventure. Embrace the diversity, and take full advantage of 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/)*