**Residing in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be an extensive period, it has afforded me the opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and experiences about this lively city. London is celebrated not only for its variety of housing options but also for the intricate network of communities that inhabit it. Students are presented with numerous housing possibilities, from student residences to private rentals. Choices encompass ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house sharing.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a simple affair, while international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for housing online. These sites offer insights into amenities, distance to public transport, and other crucial details, simplifying the search process.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, my preference was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and the campus of Imperial College. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transportation system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation across zones. However, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs going up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card has proven invaluable, greatly lowering travel expenses for students.
Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the central zones, providing further travel options. However, ticket prices for these services differ based on the distance and the designated train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also comes with steep living costs. To manage my budget, I opted to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. Additionally, I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been significantly more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being situated near grocery stores was a major priority. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to minimize expenses. Being in proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is incredibly useful, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite overwhelming, considering the city’s vast diversity. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its extensive South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These represent just a handful of the cultural quarters that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Embracing Life in London
The most suitable place to live in London ultimately depends on individual interests and needs. Whether you are delving into the city’s varied accommodation choices, immersing yourself in its cultural communities, or relishing the ease of its premier transport network, London has something to offer for everyone.
My time in this extraordinary city has been a truly enriching journey, and I am eager to uncover even more in the months ahead.
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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/)*