**Reflections on Nine Months in London: A Student’s Perspective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Almost nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this period might not seem lengthy, it has been sufficient for me to gather some meaningful perspectives on life in this lively city. London is famous not only for its varied accommodation choices but also for the diverse communities that make it their home. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing options, from student dormitories to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. In contrast, international students can take advantage of websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online. These platforms offer comprehensive details about facilities, distance to public transport, and other vital information, streamlining the search process.
### Finding the Ideal Place to Live
When I embarked on my quest for somewhere to stay, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. My aim was to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city benefits from an outstanding transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy movement between these zones.
To keep travel costs down, I opted for walking short distances instead of using public transport. Inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 daily, but the Oyster card system has greatly lowered commuting expenses for students. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, providing further connectivity options. However, the fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London, while advantageous, carries a high cost. To alleviate expenses, I chose to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rent burden. I also decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wanted to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—an aspect that private rentals might not have provided as readily.
### Importance of Location
For me, being close to grocery stores was paramount. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are widely favored. Having essential shops and pharmacies nearby has been a significant time-saver, particularly during busy times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be quite challenging due to the city’s astonishing diversity. The ethnic communities in London play an integral role in its cultural fabric, offering numerous unique neighborhoods to discover.
For example, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few examples of the many cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s unique charm.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the best area to live in London depends on your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you are captivated by the city’s cultural prosperity, its wide-ranging accommodation options, or its convenience and connectivity, London has something for everyone. For those on the lookout for a new place in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace its diversity, explore its neighborhoods, and fully utilize the opportunities it offers.
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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/)*