**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. While it may seem like a short duration, it has been sufficient for me to acquire meaningful perspectives on life in this lively city. London is a metropolis that flourishes on diversity—not just through its dynamic communities but also in its numerous housing choices. Students have plenty of options available, ranging from student accommodations to private leases, encompassing everything from ensuite bathrooms and shared facilities to studio flats and house shares.
For those studying locally, arranging apartment viewings is fairly easy. Conversely, international students might depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to find potential lodgings online. These sites offer crucial information about amenities, closeness to public transport, and other vital details, simplifying the entire process.
### Searching for a Home
When I commenced my search for housing, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. Living near significant attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus was my aim. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (or “Tube”), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
However, commuting expenses can increase rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To minimize expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card was an economical solution. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside the heart of London. The price of travel on these services fluctuates based on the distance and the fare structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London certainly comes at a steep price. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement greatly lowered our rental costs. I also selected to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that private rentals might not provide.
### The Significance of Convenience
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prominent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also easily accessible. Proximity to fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies has proven to be immensely helpful, particularly during hectic times like the exam season.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Fabric
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming, given the city’s extensive cultural diversity. Many international students are drawn to areas that provide a sense of familiarity. For instance:
– **Southall** in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, found in the core of London’s West End, is a lively district brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural wealth that London presents.
### Maximizing Your London Experience
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and interests. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied housing options, its cultural hubs, or its unmatched convenience, London caters to everyone. My suggestion to anyone looking for a home here is to embrace the city’s diversity, discover its unique neighbourhoods, and fully engage in the excitement of this extraordinary metropolis.
—
*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/)