**My Journey Residing in London: Nine Months Later**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of living in London. Although nine months might not appear to be an extensive duration, I’ve gained significant insights during this time. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not only in terms of its range of housing possibilities but also regarding the lively communities that inhabit it. For students, a variety of housing options is readily available. Whether seeking student residences or private housing, choices abound, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, explore facilities, and evaluate their proximity to public transportation.
In my own quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key sights, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy navigation across zones. Personally, I sought to reduce my travel expenses, as commuting between zones can set you back up to £5.25 daily. To save on costs, I often walked short distances rather than relying on the bus or Tube. However, using an Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting expenses to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. The cost for inter-zone travel on these services varies based on distance and the specific fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which notably lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and a similar age demographic—a combination that can be tougher to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was another crucial aspect for me. Some of the prevalent supermarkets in London comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies proves incredibly practical, especially during hectic periods like exams when every moment counts.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London significantly contribute to the city’s cultural fabric, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of familiarity. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a vibrant South Asian community, complete with various Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave teeming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a glimpse of the many lively community neighborhoods available throughout the city.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in this city, take the opportunity to appreciate the diversity and wealth of London’s accommodation offerings, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city provides.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
Categorized 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/)