**Residing in London: A Reflection After Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this length of time may seem brief, it has granted me ample opportunity to discover much about this lively and ever-evolving city. London is a cultural amalgamation, providing not just a wide array of housing alternatives but also a rich fabric of communities that reside here. For students, the city offers an abundance of housing options, ranging from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared living situations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment tours is relatively simple, whereas international students can depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing options online. These sites deliver comprehensive details regarding amenities and accessibility to public transport, making planning much simpler.
### Selecting the Ideal Living Space
When I initiated my hunt for a place to stay, I concentrated on locating a room in Central London. Being near key attractions, social hot spots, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. The city’s remarkable transport network—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can accumulate to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. For lengthier commutes, an Oyster card became an economical option. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend past the central zones, providing wider connectivity. However, ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and operator.
The desirable location of Central London comes with a hefty price tag when it comes to living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and matching age groups—a social environment that private rentals may lack.
### Closeness to Essentials
Living near grocery stores was another important consideration for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland serve students aiming to cut costs. Being situated near necessary stores and pharmacies is particularly beneficial during hectic periods, such as exam seasons, when every moment counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s immense size and diversity. The ethnic communities of London are a vital part of its cultural fabric, presenting distinct neighbourhoods that echo their heritage.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in London’s bustling West End, is a lively center for Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These areas offer a sense of familiarity for international students yearning for a link to their cultural origins.
### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the optimal area to reside in London is contingent upon your personal tastes and requirements. Whether you are navigating the city’s diverse housing choices, immersing yourself in its cultural hubs, or reveling in its convenience and vibrancy, London has something special to offer to everyone.
My time in this extraordinary city has been a rewarding experience, and I am eager to uncover even more of what it has in store.
—
*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/)*