**Residing in London: Nine Months of Revelations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of living in London. Although this may not appear to be an extended period, it has been sufficient to acquire significant revelations about life in this dynamic city. London serves as a crossroads of cultures, providing not just a vast selection of housing options but also various communities that make it an exceptionally distinctive place to call home. For students, the city offers an abundance of housing selections, including student accommodations and private rentals. Choices consist of ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
### Locating a Place to Call Your Own
In my hunt for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy commuting between zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate swiftly, especially for journeys between zones, which can cost up to £5.25 each day. To economize, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer travels, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making university journeys more budget-friendly. Additionally, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, granting access to outer zones with fares that vary based on distance and operator policies.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. Thankfully, I was able to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rental costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations as they presented an opportunity to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages—an experience more challenging to achieve in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being close to grocery stores was a primary consideration. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while budget-conscious alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students with tight finances. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is particularly beneficial during hectic times like exam periods, helping save time on errands.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be a formidable task, considering the city’s extensive cultural diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its identity, presenting a range of vibrant neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that echo the comfort of their home nations.
For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its sizable South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods exemplify just a fraction of the cultural wealth London boasts.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re navigating the city’s varied accommodation options, diving into cultural areas, or benefiting from superb transport connections, London is a city that has something for everyone.
My time here has been a rewarding journey, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more about this extraordinary city.
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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/)*