**Exploring Life and Housing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Several days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gain valuable insights into living in this dynamic city. London offers a rich variety of accommodation choices, along with a tapestry of communities, making it an extraordinary place to call home. Specifically for students, there is an abundance of housing opportunities readily available. Whether in pursuit of student residences or private accommodations, options abound, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite straightforward, whereas international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing online, evaluate available facilities, and determine proximity to public transport.
When I initiated my hunt for a living space, my primary focus was securing a room in Central London. I aspired to be near the city’s prime attractions, social hotspots, and, naturally, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s efficient transportation system—which includes the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones. Nevertheless, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 each day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing public transport. That being said, the Oyster card scheme has made commuting to university significantly cheaper. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. The expenses for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to the distance and fare policies of each train company.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I desired to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and similar age brackets—a mix that is often harder to achieve in private rentals.
One of my main considerations was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are a vital aspect of its cultural tapestry, presenting a wealth of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian population, featuring a variety of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Additionally, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of the diverse communities that contribute to London’s allure as a living destination.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for residing in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the quest for a new dwelling in this metropolis, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London presents.
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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/)