**Nine Months in London: A Contemplation on Living, Housing, and Community**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to glean important perspectives on life within this lively city. London is famous not only for its varied housing choices but also for its rich cultural landscape and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of living options, from student accommodation to private lets, featuring variants like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is comparatively simple. For international students, platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate the online exploration of accommodations, enabling the review of amenities and the evaluation of proximity to public transport connections.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
In my quest for housing, my emphasis was on securing a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport network—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—enables easy movement throughout these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend solely on public transport. Traveling between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day, but the Oyster card system has made commuting less expensive for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing framework of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with high costs. To keep expenses manageable, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that private rentals might not have readily provided.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was an essential requirement. Widely available supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students looking to reduce their spending. Proximity to vital stores, including pharmacies, is particularly beneficial during busy times like exam periods.
### Picking the Right Neighbourhood
Determining a neighbourhood in London can be quite challenging. The city’s ethnic communities form a fundamental part of its cultural identity, presenting a range of lively enclaves. Many international students tend to prefer areas that echo the familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively hub of Chinese dining, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s rich diversity.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its accessible transport links, or its energetic student atmosphere, London has something to cater to everyone.
As you embark on your search for a new residence in this extraordinary city, appreciate its diversity, investigate its distinctive neighbourhoods, and relish the thrill and possibilities that accompany living in one of the globe’s most dynamic urban environments.
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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/)*