**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of living in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant revelations about life in this lively metropolis. London is celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for the rich diversity of communities that reside here. Particularly for students, there are numerous choices regarding accommodation, spanning from student housing to private rentals. Options available include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple. Conversely, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transportation links.
### Securing a Home
When I initiated my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—making navigation between these zones straightforward.
Nonetheless, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, inter-zonal travel may cost as much as £5.25 per day. To economize, I preferred to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For lengthier journeys, an Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly alternative. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside Central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structures of train operators.
Residing in Central London brings advantages, but high living expenses are a reality. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly cut our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, desiring to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
### Location of Essentials
Being near grocery stores was essential to me. Well-known supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prevalent. Proximity to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is exceptionally convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Communities
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural fabric, providing an array of neighbourhoods to investigate. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home.
For instance, Southall in West London serves as a focal point for the South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are merely a few examples of the cultural richness that London presents.
### Locating Your Perfect Area
The best locality to reside in London ultimately relies on your individual preferences and interests. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied accommodation options, its cultural hotspots, or its convenience and vibrancy, London has something that caters to everyone.
As you embark on the quest for a place to call home in this extraordinary city, cherish its diversity, explore its neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities it presents.
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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/)*