**Residing in London: My Journey After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. Though nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge about this dynamic city. London showcases a rich diversity in not only housing options but also in its communities. Students here benefit from an extensive array of living choices, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, evaluate available amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, crucially, Imperial College’s campus was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the epicenter. The city’s efficient transport network—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel across zones. However, I sought to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card has greatly alleviated the cost of commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside the city center. Fares for these services depend on the distance and fare structure of the individual train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also incurs increased living expenses owing to its closeness to major attractions. Thankfully, I could share a room with a friend, which significantly cut down our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that can be hard to find in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is exceptionally useful, particularly during exam periods when time is scarce.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form a vital aspect of the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a colorful array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their home cultures within London. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring countless Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the various cultural enclaves contributing to London’s uniqueness.
Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London is contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and depth of London’s accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city 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/)