**Experience of Living in London: A Nine-Month Overview**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I initiated my experience of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has provided me with significant insights into this dynamic city. London is famous not just for its varied accommodation options but also for the diverse array of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, ranging from student residences to private rentals, featuring choices such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is generally uncomplicated. In contrast, international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online. These platforms offer information regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other vital details, simplifying the search process considerably.
### Securing a Home
When I commenced my search, my objective was to locate a room in Central London. Residing near major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was fundamental to me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—comprising the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate quickly. For example, traversing between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently walked shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted fares for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside Central London. Fares on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of the respective operating company.
Residing in Central London offers advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a friend attending university as well. This decision substantially lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I desired to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that private housing might not provide.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was an essential requirement. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while more affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to save. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is particularly advantageous during hectic times, such as exam weeks.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a wide array of distinctive neighbourhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke the comfort of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is a centre for the South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. In the bustling West End of London lies Chinatown, filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few representations of the diverse neighbourhoods contributing to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to reside in London is contingent upon your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re delving into the city’s rich cultural landscapes, maneuvering through its extensive transport networks, or locating accommodation that aligns with your budget, London has something to offer for everyone.
Living in this extraordinary city has been an exhilarating and enriching journey. For anyone seeking a new home in London, I urge you to embrace its diversity, investigate its vibrant neighbourhoods, and fully experience all the remarkable offerings of this incredible city.
*By Guest Blogger*
**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/)