**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though it might not appear as a lengthy period, it has provided me ample opportunity to collect significant observations about living in this lively city. London stands as not only a center of varied housing options but also a fusion of cultures and communities. For students, the city boasts a vast selection of accommodation, including student residences, private rentals, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
Home students find it relatively simple to arrange apartment viewings. On the other hand, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, review amenities, and evaluate distances to public transit options.
### Searching for a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My aspiration was to remain in close proximity to key attractions, social venues, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for trips between zones, I decided to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. However, the Oyster card system has made commuting to university more economical. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, although fares differ based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London provides advantages but also comes with elevated living costs. To curtail expenses, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic that is more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Living close to grocery shops was a significant priority for me. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely accessible, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available for students wanting to economize. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is particularly beneficial during exam seasons when every minute counts.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor, given the city’s immense cultural richness. Many international students are attracted to areas that mirror the familiarity of their home countries. For example:
– **Southall**, located in West London, is renowned for its dynamic South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, found in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene.
– **Chinatown**, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively hub comprised of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighbourhoods represent only a glimpse of London’s culturally rich enclaves, each affording a distinct experience.
### Adopting London Life
The optimal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse accommodation opportunities, its lively cultural communities, or its unmatched convenience, London has an offering for everyone. My recommendation? Embrace the diversity, delve into the wealth of its neighbourhoods, and fully enjoy this extraordinary city.
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*By Guest Blogger*
*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/)*