**Nine Months in London: A Student’s Insight on Housing and Living**
*Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not sound extensive, I have already gained considerable insights about living here. London is a lively and ever-changing metropolis, not only in terms of its extensive housing options but also in the variety of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous housing opportunities conveniently available. Whether you need student accommodations or private rentals, there are choices aplenty—ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly straightforward, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential dwellings online. These sites also offer details about amenities and nearby public transport, simplifying your planning.
### Locating the Ideal Residence
During my search for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Proximity to the city’s key attractions, social venues, and, of course, Imperial College’s campus was crucial. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—consisting of the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement and travel between different zones.
I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I preferred walking short distances instead of taking the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, the Oyster card options have made commuting to university much more budget-friendly. Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London, with ticket prices varying based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. Luckily, I had a friend attending university with me, and we decided to share a room, which significantly decreased our rent. I chose to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that would have been less achievable through private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was a crucial factor. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a big time saver when handling errands, especially during hectic exam seasons.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play a fundamental role in its cultural richness, showcasing a vibrant mix of neighbourhoods. Many international students look for areas reminiscent of home. Take Southall in West London, for example, which houses a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, provides a bustling setting filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of the numerous community-oriented neighbourhoods throughout London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London really hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home in this vibrant city, take the opportunity to delve into the diversity and richness of London’s housing options. Immerse yourself in the cultural enclaves and relish the convenience and excitement 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/)*