**Residing in London: My Nine-Month Experience**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months might not appear to be significant, it has provided me with ample opportunity to gather some crucial insights. London is a vibrant and multifaceted city, notable not only for its diverse housing options but also for the various communities that inhabit it. For students, there is an abundance of accommodation choices. Whether one opts for student residences or private rentals, options range from ensuite to shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule in-person viewings, while international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to scout for properties online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s prominent attractions, vibrant social scenes, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most centralized. The city’s remarkable public transportation system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across these zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to minimize transport costs, as fares for traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing public transit. However, the Oyster card options available for students have considerably lowered commuting expenses to the university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, though the fares for these routes differ based on distance and the particular train service.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living costs given its closeness to major sites. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental expenses. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as I aimed to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that would have been more challenging in private housing.
A key priority for me was finding a location near grocery stores. Among the most popular supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also exist. Proximity to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a considerable time-saver, especially during hectic periods like exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood in London can pose a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural makeup, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizeable South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End buzzes with activity, featuring an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a few of the culturally vibrant neighborhoods London has to offer.
Ultimately, the most suitable area for living in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a place to call home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing selections, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this remarkable city 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/)