**My Journey Residing in London for Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained substantial insights throughout this time. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized by not only its diverse housing selections but also the multitude of communities that inhabit it. Students are indeed fortunate when it comes to accommodation choices. Whether you’re pursuing student housing or private leases, options abound, from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate the access to public transportation.
During my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. I wanted to be near the city’s key attractions, vibrant social spots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. The city’s robust public transport system, encompassing the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to reduce my commuting expenses since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I often chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or Tube to save money. However, using an Oyster card has made my university commutes more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside the central zone. Costs for these services depend on the distance traveled and the fare system of each train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of proximity to major attractions, but it also brings increased living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored living in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and of a similar age—something that would have been trickier with private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies can save considerable time, particularly during hectic periods such as exams.
Selecting the ideal neighborhood can prove difficult. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural fabric, providing a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for areas that evoke a sense of home. For example, Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian population, featuring an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling location filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of the city’s many community-oriented neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the optimal location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in this vibrant city, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover the cultural communities, and relish the convenience and thrill that London has in store.
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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/)