**Experiencing London: Reflections After Nine Months**

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

Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not appear extensive, I’ve gathered many insightful lessons during my time here. London is a remarkably lively city, showcasing not only a wide range of housing options but also a multitude of communities that reside within it. For students, there’s an abundance of possibilities when it comes to securing accommodations. Whether you’re considering student residences or privately rented spaces, you’ll discover a variety of choices, including ensuite and shared facilities, private bedrooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Home students can conveniently arrange in-person viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate properties online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transit.

In my quest for suitable accommodations, I concentrated on finding a room in Central London. My goal was to stay near the city’s prominent attractions, social centers, and, naturally, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport network, including the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between various zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 each day. To save funds, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, an Oyster card has proven to make commuting to university significantly more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, extending to areas outside Central London. Fares for these services differ based on the distance traveled and each train operator’s pricing structure.

Residing in Central London offers benefits, yet it also entails increased living costs. Fortunately, I was able to cohabit with a friend attending the same university, which greatly alleviated our rental expenses. I chose intercollegiate student housing primarily to meet fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging through private lets.

One of my major considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Some widely known supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are abundantly available. Being near essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies significantly saves time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

Selecting the ideal neighborhood to reside in can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in London’s cultural landscape, offering a wealth of neighborhoods to explore. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its thriving South Asian community and a vast selection of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a lively district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of the culturally diverse neighborhoods available in London.

Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London greatly relies on your personal preferences and requirements. When in pursuit of a new dwelling in this magnificent city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.

*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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