**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has sufficed for me to engage with the city’s dynamic culture and acquire several significant insights along the journey. London serves not only as a center for varied housing options but also as a melting pot of cultures from all over the globe. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and co-living spaces.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly uncomplicated. Conversely, international students like myself frequently depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to survey housing opportunities online. These platforms offer valuable information regarding amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and other vital details, simplifying the search experience.
### Identifying the Ideal Residence
When I initiated my search, I was eager to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, vibrant social areas, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted for walking shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer distances, the Oyster card turned out to be an economical choice. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, servicing regions beyond central London. However, the fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific train operator.
Residing in Central London offers benefits, but it also carries steep living expenses. To keep costs in check, I made the decision to share a room with a friend, which effectively halved our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided a platform to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that is more challenging with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, being close to grocery outlets was a primary concern. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are easily accessible, while budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to save cash. Proximity to essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during peak times such as exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the appropriate neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s enormous size and diversity. London’s ethnic neighborhoods are a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the core of the West End boasts a collection of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are merely a few instances of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ultimate place to live in London relies on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the convenience of Central London, the affordability of outer zones, or the cultural depth of specific neighborhoods, the city has something to offer everyone.
As you embark on your quest to find a new residence in London, embrace the richness and vibrancy of its housing options, explore its cultural communities, and revel in the thrill of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary capitals.
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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/)*