**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear extensive, I have gained considerable insights during this time. London is an ever-evolving city, not only due to its plethora of housing choices but also because of the varied communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of options regarding accommodation—whether it’s dormitory-style living or private quarters, choices span from ensuite and suite bathrooms to shared or solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up in-person visits, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential housing solutions online, review amenities, and evaluate the accessibility to public transport.
During my search for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be nearer to the city’s key attractions, social hubs, and, importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city offers an exceptional public transport system, encompassing the Underground (the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across various zones. Personally, I sought to minimize my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary based on distance traveled and the specific fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably diminished our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that would have been challenging to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was significant for me. Notable supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies immensely saves time, particularly during hectic periods like exam weeks.
Determining the right neighbourhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighbourhoods to discover. Many international students search for neighborhoods reminiscent of home. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population and offers numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-enriched neighbourhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. While looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the extensive array of housing options available. Delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)