**Living 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. Although this period may seem brief, it has provided ample opportunity to gain valuable insights about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing opportunities but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students, especially, have an abundance of accommodation choices at their disposal, ranging from student residences to private living quarters, including options such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, arranging an in-person apartment viewing is quite simple. Yet, international students frequently turn to websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit options.
### Securing Accommodations
When I initiated my accommodation search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The efficient public transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates movement between these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fares, making travel budget-friendly for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London, although costs for these services differ based on the distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. To alleviate costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing since it allowed me to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something that is more difficult to find in private accommodations.
### Importance of Location
For me, being near grocery stores was a significant consideration. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide economical choices. Being close to essential retailers, including pharmacies, conserves time and proves especially useful during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s vastness and diversity. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural scene, offering a rich array of experiences. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that evoke a sense of familiarity.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. In contrast, Chinatown in the West End is a lively enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods exemplify the multicultural essence of London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hotspots, its diverse accommodation possibilities, or the ease of its public transport services, London has something to cater to everyone. Embrace the city’s wealth, discover its neighbourhoods, and fully enjoy this extraordinary place.
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**Byline:** *By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
**Categories:** [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
**Tags:** [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/)