**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nearly nine months ago, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient to impart several important lessons about this lively and multicultural city. London serves as a center of cultural and social activities, providing various accommodation choices for its inhabitants, including students. Whether in search of student lodgings or private leases, there’s an option for everyone—ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, or house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, whereas international students can rely on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible housing options online. These sites offer detailed information about amenities, closeness to public transportation, and other vital aspects, streamlining the process for those relocating from overseas.
### Locating a Residence
As I initiated my accommodation search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy travel. Nevertheless, traveling between zones can incur significant costs, with daily travel expenses reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. For longer travels, the Oyster card options turned out to be a budget-friendly alternative.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the core of London. While ticket prices for these services differ based on the distance and operator, they provide superb connectivity for those residing farther from the city center.
However, residing in Central London comes at a steep price. To manage expenses, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This arrangement significantly lowered our rent. I also picked intercollegiate student accommodations, which allowed me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more challenging to replicate in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was an essential factor. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-conscious choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those aiming to cut costs. Proximity to key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies proves especially beneficial during hectic times, such as exam periods, when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be quite overwhelming, given the city’s size and variety. The multicultural communities are a hallmark of London’s identity, presenting a rich array of cultural experiences. Many international students tend to favor areas that resonate with the familiarity of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a buzzing area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods exemplify the cultural wealth that London presents.
### Closing Reflections
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal interests and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, its convenience, or its vibrant atmosphere, London has something to offer everyone. As you seek your new residence, embrace the diversity and richness of the city’s accommodation choices, and fully enjoy this remarkable place.
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*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorized 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/)*