**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of my journey in London. Although this timeframe may appear brief, I’ve garnered several significant insights throughout my experience. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not only regarding its housing choices but also in the diverse communities that inhabit it. Students have an abundance of housing alternatives right at their fingertips. Regardless of whether one prefers student accommodations or private rentals, there are options ranging from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations digitally, evaluate amenities, and examine accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I was particularly focused on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to be near the city’s major landmarks, social scenes, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The public transport network in the city is outstanding, featuring the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or Tube. Nonetheless, using an Oyster card has made my commutes to the university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching outlying areas from central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London entails a substantial cost of living, but I was fortunate enough to have a university friend to share a room with, significantly lowering our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations since I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been harder to accomplish with private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of London’s most prevalent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also present. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time during errands, particularly in busy times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can prove to be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich spectrum of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, offering numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of the many lively community neighborhoods found in London.
In the end, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your unique preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new dwelling in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill 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/)