**Living in London: A Nine-Month Review**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I set out on my experience of living in London. Although this might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has provided me with some significant revelations about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its famous sights but also for its varied communities and extensive housing options. Whether you are a student or a working professional, the city presents a myriad of choices, from university halls to private rentals, encompassing ensuite bedrooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is generally uncomplicated. Nonetheless, international students can utilize services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential housing options online. These platforms offer intricate details about facilities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the search experience.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my accommodation search, my main focus was on securing a room in Central London. Being near significant attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the central areas. The city’s outstanding transportation system, comprising the Underground (tube), bus services, and trains, facilitates easy movement across these zones.
To minimize travel costs—since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily—I preferred to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card serves as an economical option for students. Moreover, services such as the London Overground and National Rail stretch beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the heart of the city. However, ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To cope with costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, considerably lowering our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations in order to engage with peers from various backgrounds and age ranges—an environment that is more challenging to experience in private housing.
### The Significance of Proximity
For me, being near grocery stores was an essential criterion. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are commonly found, whereas budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students with tighter finances. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies proves especially beneficial during hectic times, like exam periods, when every moment counts.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be an overwhelming endeavor, given the city’s immense size and diversity. London’s ethnic communities are foundational to its cultural wealth, presenting a multitude of distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students gravitate towards areas that mirror the comforts of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London serves as a hub for the South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its lively Afro-Caribbean culture and music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural gatherings. These neighborhoods are just a few instances of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is determined by your individual tastes and priorities. Whether it’s closeness to your university, access to public transportation, or the cultural atmosphere of a neighborhood, London has something for everyone.
As you embark on the quest for your new residence in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its varied accommodation options and fully immerse yourself in the rich cultural landscape of its communities. London is a city that brims with endless possibilities and excitement—embrace it enthusiastically.
—
**By Guest Contributor**
*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/)