**Residing in London: Nine Months of Observations**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months living in London. Although this duration might appear brief, I’ve gained considerable understanding during this time. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, characterized by not just its varied housing options but also the lively communities that inhabit it. Students have a multitude of choices available, ranging from student residences to private flats, including options like ensuite and communal bathrooms, private accommodations, studio units, and shared houses. For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential lodgings online, review available features, and evaluate distances to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, of course, Imperial’s campus was essential to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city offers an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and inter-zone travel. Personally, I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can reach £5.25 daily. I opted for walking shorter routes rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has significantly lowered my travel costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the city center. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the fare structures of the individual train companies.
Residing in Central London presents its advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we chose to share accommodation, which led to considerable savings on rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that might have been more challenging in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery shops was crucial for me. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Living close to essential retailers like grocery stores and pharmacies is a great time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London are an integral aspect of its cultural fabric, providing a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for locales that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few highlights from the many community-oriented neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are in search of a new residence or merely discovering the city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.
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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/)*