**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of living in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has provided sufficient time to acquire meaningful experiences related to life in this lively and varied city. London is famed not just for its historical richness and cultural depth but also for the multitude of housing options and communities it presents. For students, the city offers an abundance of selections, from student accommodation to private living spaces, including ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For home students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to research potential homes online. These platforms offer information regarding amenities, closeness to public transport, and other crucial details, facilitating the process for those relocating from overseas.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my hunt for accommodation, my focus was on Central London. I desired proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city’s vast public transportation network—including the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains—makes traveling between these zones straightforward.
To economize on travel expenses, I chose to walk short lengths rather than depend on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 per day, but tools like the Oyster card assist in minimizing commuting costs for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. However, the fares for these services vary based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London provides advantages but also entails considerable living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, greatly lowering our rent. I also decided on intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a chance to connect with classmates from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that’s harder to find with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Being near necessary establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly practical, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Diverse Communities
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task owing to the city’s extensive size and diversity. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of experiences. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is noted for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the city’s multicultural distinctions.
### Discovering Your Ideal Locale
The optimal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to cultural centers, closeness to your university, or budget-friendly living conditions, the city offers something for every taste.
As you embark on your search for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing options. Discover the cultural neighbourhoods, relish the convenience of nearby amenities, and immerse yourself in the vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
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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/)*