**Living in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. While this timeframe may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to collect some insightful observations about existence in this lively city. London is not just famous for its varied accommodation options but also for its vibrant and multicultural populations. For students, the city has a multitude of housing selections, from student halls to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is quite simple. Meanwhile, international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover possible accommodations online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about amenities, closeness to public transport, and other critical information, streamlining the process for those arriving from overseas.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a residence, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. My objective was to remain near major landmarks, social spots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city features an outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating easy movement between zones.
To save on travel expenses, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but Oyster card options greatly lessen commuting costs for students. For those venturing beyond the Underground system, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend to outer zones, though fares vary based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London has the advantage of proximity to major attractions but also entails higher living costs. To manage our budget, my friend and I opted to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic that private rentals might not have provided as easily.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are plentiful. Being near essential stores and pharmacies is extremely helpful, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural essence, forming a rich and diverse landscape. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is noted for its substantial South Asian population, offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling corner filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the rich cultural fabric that London presents.
### Discovering Your Ideal Spot
Ultimately, the optimal place to reside in London is contingent on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you find yourself attracted to the city’s cultural quarters or its modern amenities, London’s housing options accommodate a variety of preferences. Embrace the diversity, discover the neighbourhoods, and fully immerse yourself in the thrills of this extraordinary city.
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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/)*