**Nine Months in London: Insights on Housing and Living from a Student**
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Though this might not appear to be an extended period, it has provided me with the opportunity to grasp several important lessons regarding life in this dynamic city. London serves as not only a center for various housing options but also a crossroads of cultures and communities. For students, the city presents an abundance of accommodation alternatives, from student living arrangements to private rentals. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. Conversely, international students can depend on resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential living spaces online. These websites offer comprehensive details about amenities and closeness to public transit, simplifying the entire process.
### Locating Your Ideal Home
When I initiated my search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London to remain adjacent to key landmarks, social hotspots, and, most significantly, the Imperial College campus. London is segmented into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s superb transportation network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
However, traveling between zones can accumulate significant costs, amounting to as much as £5.25 per day. To reduce travel expenses, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground, providing wider coverage. The costs associated with these services vary based on the distance traveled and the fare structure of the respective service provider.
Residing in Central London presents benefits along with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rental expenses. Additionally, I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been significantly tougher to achieve in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was crucial. Popular supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students on a restricted budget. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is especially advantageous during hectic periods, such as exam season, where every second is vital.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London is a challenging task, considering the city’s extensive cultural diversity. Many international students are drawn to areas that provide a sense of belonging. For example:
– **Southall** in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is renowned for its lively Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, features a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods are merely a handful of examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal living location in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you find yourself captivated by the city’s cultural richness, its varied accommodation choices, or its convenience and vibrancy, London truly has something for everyone. As I continue my journey here, I am persistently reminded of the city’s remarkable capacity to astonish and motivate.
If you’re on the lookout for a home in London, embrace its diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and take full advantage of this extraordinary city.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
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/)