### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient to impart several meaningful lessons regarding life in this lively and ever-changing city. London is famous not just for its varied accommodation options but also for the rich cultural fabric of its neighborhoods. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online. These sites offer comprehensive details about amenities and their closeness to public transportation, helping to facilitate planning for life in a new city.
### Locating a Space to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for accommodation, my primary focus was securing a room in Central London. Residing near major landmarks, social centers, and my university at Imperial College was crucial. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an extensive transport system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies movement across zones.
To cut down on transportation costs, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily, but utilizing an Oyster card greatly diminishes commuting costs for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, providing further travel alternatives. Nevertheless, the fares for these services can fluctuate based on distance and the pricing models of the train operators.
Residing in Central London presents advantages, yet it also entails higher living costs. To alleviate financial burdens, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This decision allowed us to substantially reduce our rent. I decided on intercollegiate student accommodation to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that private housing might lack.
### Closeness to Necessities
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Prominent grocers in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also plentiful. Being close to crucial shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is incredibly helpful, particularly during hectic periods like exam times.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the right neighbourhood is a tough but crucial choice. The ethnic communities in London play an essential role in the city’s cultural essence, offering a range of distinctive neighborhoods to discover. Many international students gravitate towards areas that evoke the familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music environment. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End serves as a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you’re in search of closeness to your university, cultural connection, or access to vibrant social scenes, London provides a multitude of options to cater to every preference.
As you embark on your quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to appreciate its diversity, discover its cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that London offers.
—
*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/)*