**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Review**
*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 may not appear substantial, it has provided me ample opportunity to gain insights into life in this lively metropolis. London boasts a dynamic urban environment, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by the multitude of communities that reside here. For students, a range of living arrangements is readily available. Whether you’re considering student accommodations or private rentals, choices encompass ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, review available facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for a place to stay, I focused on obtaining a room in Central London. My goal was to be near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these areas. Nonetheless, I was eager to reduce my travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, having an Oyster card has greatly enhanced the affordability of my commutes to the university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, catering to locations outside central London. The costs associated with these services differ based on the distance traveled and the fare policies of the respective train companies.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near key attractions, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to cohabitate, which significantly alleviated our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a goal that would be more challenging in private housing.
A crucial factor for me when selecting a place to live was the distance to grocery stores. Common supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being in proximity to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London has a significant South Asian presence, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the vibrant West End, offers a bustling hub of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural activities. These are just glimpses of the various community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
In conclusion, the best locality for living in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your quest for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and excitement that London provides.
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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/)