### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained on Housing and Urban Living
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I commenced my journey of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to impart a few essential lessons regarding life in this dynamic and diverse metropolis. London is celebrated not just for its famed landmarks but also for its plethora of accommodation options and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a wealth of alternatives, ranging from student residences to private rentals, which encompass ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is simple, whereas international students can make use of websites like **Rightmove**, **Zoopla**, or **SpareRoom** to discover potential housing options online. These platforms furnish important details concerning amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial information.
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### Locating a Residence in London
As I initiated my quest, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s exceptional transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel across zones.
However, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For instance, inter-zonal travel can amount to **£5.25 per day**, prompting me to prefer walking shorter routes when feasible. For extended commutes, **Oyster cards** provide discounted travel rates for students. In addition to the Underground, services such as the **London Overground** and **National Rail** reach areas beyond Central London, although fares differ based on distance and train operators.
Residing in Central London, while practical, carries a hefty cost. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, which greatly alleviated our rental burden. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was eager to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that’s often tougher to find in private rentals.
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### Accessibility to Necessities
A primary consideration for me was living near supermarkets. London boasts numerous grocery stores, including **Tesco**, **Sainsbury’s**, and **Co-op**, while cost-effective options like **Aldi**, **Lidl**, and **Iceland** are also favored. Proximity to vital stores and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during hectic times such as examination periods.
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### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can prove to be a daunting task, given the city’s extensive cultural diversity. London’s ethnic communities greatly enrich its vibrant spirit, forming distinctive enclaves that cater to a variety of cultural tastes.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London is famous for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music environment.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of the West End, serves as a bustling center of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural activities.
Numerous international students are drawn to these neighborhoods in search of a sense of belonging and community.
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### Concluding Reflections
The optimal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the cultural diversity of particular neighborhoods or the convenience of central areas, London presents opportunities for everyone. As you seek your new abode, embrace the city’s vibrancy, explore its distinctive enclaves, and relish the thrill of living in this extraordinary metropolis.
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**By:** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categories:** [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
**Tags:** [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/)