**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Insight**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I marked my nine-month journey of residing in London. While that might not appear to be an extended duration, it has been ample time for me to accumulate some insightful perspectives on life within this vibrant city. London is a lively metropolis, not only due to its vast selection of housing but also because of the variety of communities that inhabit it. Students, in particular, are presented with a multitude of choices regarding accommodation. Whether you seek student housing or private rentals, you will discover options that range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private rooms, studio apartments, and flat shares. For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is a breeze, while international students can effortlessly explore websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine prospective housing online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
As I initiated my quest for a living space, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My goal was to remain in close proximity to the city’s key attractions, social hubs, and of course, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The city’s public transportation system, which encompasses the Underground (popularly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across these zones. However, I aimed to curtail my travel expenditures, as journeys between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or Tube. That said, the Oyster card system has significantly reduced commuting costs to university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Tube framework, reaching areas that lie outside Central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the specific pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers the advantage of being near prime attractions; however, it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which enabled us to reap considerable savings on rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age cohorts—something that would have been more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
Another vital aspect for me was proximity to grocery stores. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland present more economical choices. Being near essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies is a tremendous time-saver, particularly during hectic periods like exams.
Determining the ideal neighborhood to settle in can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are an integral part of the city’s cultural tapestry, presenting a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their homeland. For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and animated music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a vibrant mix of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few instances of the multitude of community-oriented neighborhoods in London.
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new dwelling in this remarkable city, take the opportunity to delve into its varied accommodation alternatives, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that London has in store.
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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/)