**Residing in London: Nine Months of Perspectives**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this might not appear as an extended period, it has been sufficient for me to gather meaningful perspectives on life in this lively, multicultural metropolis. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the enriching mosaic of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents an abundance of lodging choices, ranging from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, organizing apartment viewings tends to be quite simple, while international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online. These platforms offer information about amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial details, facilitating the search process.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
Upon initiating my search for housing, I focused on locating a room in Central London to stay near major sights, social venues, and my university campus at Imperial College. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s excellent transport infrastructure—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—enables easy navigation among zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to as much as £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthier commutes, the Oyster card offers reduced fares, making it a budget-friendly choice for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, linking outer zones with different fare structures based on distance and operator.
Living in Central London comes with its advantages, but it also brings elevated living expenses. To cope with costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which offered a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something private rentals may not provide.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing close to grocery stores was a key consideration. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while budget-conscious alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to cut expenses. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam periods when every minute counts.
### Discovering London’s Cultural Richness
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be quite challenging, given the city’s astounding diversity. London’s ethnic groups are vital to its cultural character, presenting a range of vibrant neighborhoods to discover. Many international students are drawn to areas that evoke a sense of home.
For instance, Southall in West London serves as a center for the South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, positioned in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining venues, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the city’s rich cultural hubs.
### Locating Your Perfect Area
Ultimately, the ideal neighborhood to reside in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural richness, its convenience, or its lively social atmosphere, London offers something for everyone. As you embark on your quest for a home, embrace the array of accommodation alternatives, immerse yourself in the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, and revel in the thrill of living in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
—
*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/)*