**Nine Months in London: Lessons Acquired and Insights Discovered**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Approximately nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to impart several important lessons regarding this vibrant city. London serves not only as a center for a diverse range of living arrangements but also as a melting pot of lively communities. For students, the city presents a wide array of housing options, from student accommodations to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly simple. Conversely, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to search for possible housing online. These platforms offer information on amenities and proximity to public transportation, significantly easing the search process.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search for housing, my primary focus was on securing a room in Central London. Residing near major attractions, vibrant social scenes, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an excellent transit system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement across zones.
Nonetheless, traveling between zones can incur high costs, with daily expenses amounting to as much as £5.25. To conserve funds, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, offering wider connectivity. However, fare prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing model of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also comes with elevated living expenses. To manage these costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow student. This arrangement greatly lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that would have been more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a critical factor. Common supermarket brands like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is incredibly advantageous, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Picking a neighborhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s cultural richness is reflected in its diverse ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. Many international students are drawn to neighborhoods that evoke familiarity to their homeland.
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops.
– **Brixton**, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, located in the midst of the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations.
These are just a few instances of the culturally vibrant neighborhoods that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied living arrangements, its cultural neighborhoods, or its unmatched convenience, London has something for everyone. Embrace the experience of finding your new home in this incredible city, and seize the opportunities it 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/)*