**Residing in London: My Journey Over Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I’ve gathered several insightful experiences during this time. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not just regarding its living arrangements but also concerning the myriad of communities that inhabit it. Students, especially, are presented with a plethora of housing options. Whether you prefer student accommodations or private leases, a diverse selection is available, comprising ensuite rooms, shared or private units, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, organizing an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and check the closeness to public transport links.
When I initiated my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aim was to be near the city’s key attractions, social hotspots, and, of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb public transport system—which includes the Underground (the tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across zones. Nevertheless, I was eager to keep my travel costs low, as traveling between zones can incur a charge of up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Fortunately, the Oyster card system has rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. The expenses for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare schemes of various train operators.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to significant attractions, albeit at the expense of increased living costs. Thankfully, I could share a room with a friend, which allowed us to considerably reduce our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing because I wanted to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an aspiration that would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
A personal priority for me was residing close to grocery stores. Some prevalent supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, especially during hectic times such as exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can be a complex choice. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to the city’s cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London boasts a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and a thriving music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many lively community neighborhoods throughout London.
Ultimately, the optimal area to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding your new home in this remarkable city, take the time to investigate the diverse accommodation alternatives, immerse yourself in the rich cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that London 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/)