**Experiencing London: Reflections After Nine Months**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
A few days ago, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though nine months might not appear lengthy, it has been sufficient for me to gain insights into this dynamic city. London boasts a rich variety in both accommodation and its communities. Students here encounter numerous housing alternatives at their disposal, ranging from student residences to private lodgings. This includes ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is easy, while international students can take advantage of platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to navigate their potential homes online, scrutinize the amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport.
When I initiated my quest for housing, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. I aimed to be near the city’s key attractions, social scenes, and, of course, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s outstanding transport system, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel among these zones. However, I was eager to keep my travel costs low, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. Nevertheless, using an Oyster card has significantly lowered my commuting expenses to university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend their reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside the central zones. The fare for inter-zone travel on these routes varies based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, yet it also entails elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which notably alleviated our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as I desired to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages—something difficult to achieve 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 more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic times like exams.
Selecting the right neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to the city’s cultural essence, offering a vast array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home nations within London. For instance, Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with many Indian restaurants, grocers, and outlets for traditional clothing. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Concurrently, Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, presents a diverse selection of Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the ideal area to call home will depend on your individual preferences and requirements. In your hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the richness of its accommodation choices. Delve into the cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city provides.
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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/)