**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**

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

Recently, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve gained substantial insights throughout this time. London is an ever-changing and diverse metropolis, marked not only by its housing choices but also by its lively communities. Students have access to an array of accommodation possibilities, from student residences to private lodgings. Options available include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is a breeze, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.

As I searched for a residence, my priority was finding a room in Central London. I desired proximity to the city’s key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city features an outstanding public transport system, including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating travel between various zones. I personally aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zone travel could cost as much as £5.25 a day. To cut costs, I often opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card initiative has rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, covering zones outside the central area. Prices for these services are contingent on distance and the fare policy of each train operator.

Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near major attractions, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly eased our rent burden. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation with the hope of meeting students from varying backgrounds and similar age groups—a mix that could have been more elusive in private housing.

For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time-saver, especially during hectic exam seasons.

Selecting the right neighbourhood for living can be a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London play an essential role in the city’s diverse cultural fabric, showcasing a wide array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke familiarity with home. For instance, Southall, situated in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Additionally, Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the many culturally rich neighbourhoods that London offers.

Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. When embarking on the quest for a new home in this city, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, explore its cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has to offer.

*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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