**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire meaningful experiences about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods. Students, in particular, are faced with an abundance of choices concerning accommodation, ranging from student halls to private living spaces. These options include ensuite and communal bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is simple, whereas international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties virtually. These resources offer information about facilities and proximity to transport, simplifying the process of selecting an appropriate place, even from a distance.
### Locating a Home
As I commenced my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Living centrally implies being near key attractions, social venues, and, most critically, the Imperial College campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most accessible. The city boasts a comprehensive transport system—consisting of the Underground (or “tube”), buses, and trains—facilitating convenient movement throughout these zones.
However, transportation expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, inter-zonal trips can set you back as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fares, making it a budget-friendly choice for students. Besides the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach outer zones, though ticket prices vary based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also brings along increased living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend. This significantly lowered our rent and made living in the city’s core more financially feasible. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a platform to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something less attainable with private leasing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial shops and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be challenging. The city’s rich cultural tapestry is highlighted in its numerous ethnic enclaves, each offering a distinctive experience. Numerous international students find themselves in areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End presents a bustling environment filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural wealth London has to offer.
### Discovering Your Ideal Area
Ultimately, the most suitable area to live in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you place importance on closeness to your university, cultural resonance, or affordability, London caters to all.
As you embark on your quest for a new home in this remarkable city, embrace its diversity, delve into its cultural sectors, and maximize the convenience and thrill that London presents.
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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/)*