### My Journey of Residing in London: Nine Months Later
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month mark of my time in London. While it may not appear extensive, this duration has provided me with considerable insights into life within this dynamic city. London boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and communities, as well as a wide array of housing alternatives. Students here can choose from numerous options, including student accommodations and private rentals, featuring amenities such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students can leverage websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to seek out housing online. These platforms detail amenities, transport accessibility, and other crucial information, thus streamlining the process.
### Locating the Ideal Place to Reside
When I commenced my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is structured in six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones.
Nonetheless, traveling between zones can get expensive, costing up to £5.25 daily. To cut down on commuting costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card provides discounted travel options, making it a wise pick for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, linking areas outside the central region. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of the train operators.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, albeit with steep living expenses. To alleviate costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed for interaction with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a community dynamic that is more challenging to achieve in private housing.
### Accessibility to Necessities
For me, being close to grocery stores was of utmost importance. Common supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are readily available. Proximity to essential shops and pharmacies is incredibly beneficial, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Picking the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant mix of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas reminiscent of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its significant South Asian population, offering Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. In contrast, Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of London’s rich cultural landscapes.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the best place to live in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s multicultural essence, its efficient transportation system, or its lively social environment, London has something to cater to everyone. As you seek your next home, embrace the variety of accommodation choices, explore the city’s distinct neighbourhoods, and fully enjoy your time in this remarkable metropolis.
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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/)