**Living in London: Nine Months of Observations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe may appear brief, it has granted me significant insights into existence in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied accommodation alternatives but also for its rich tapestry of communities. For students, the metropolis presents an abundance of housing selections, from student residences to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, organizing apartment viewings is fairly easy, while international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check out properties online. These platforms offer information about amenities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the search process.
### Locating a Place to Reside
When I initiated my accommodation hunt, my goal was to secure a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, vibrant social areas, and the Imperial College campus were my primary considerations. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. Traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card options greatly lessen commuting costs for students. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering outer zones. However, ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing model of the train operator.
Residing in Central London entails high living expenses, but I succeeded in trimming down rent by sharing a room with a friend. We opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which enabled us to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that might have been more challenging to achieve in private housing.
### Close to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students on a budget. Being near necessary stores, including pharmacies, conserves time and proves especially advantageous during exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s extensive diversity. London’s ethnic communities significantly enrich its cultural landscape, presenting a host of distinctive neighbourhoods. Many international students favor areas that resonate with the familiarity of their home countries.
– **Southall** in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, positioned in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the vibrant West End of London, is a bustling area with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods are just a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re investigating the city’s diverse accommodation possibilities or delving into its cultural neighbourhoods, London provides something for everyone. Embrace the city’s vibrancy, convenience, and excitement—it’s a truly unparalleled experience.
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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/)