**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has been sufficient for me to acquire significant understanding about life in this lively and diverse metropolis. London is not just a center of cultural vibrancy but also presents a multitude of housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city offers a wide range of accommodation alternatives, from student housing to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple, while international students can depend on sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate potential housing online. These platforms supply information about amenities and closeness to public transport, streamlining the process for newcomers from abroad.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a living space, I was focused on finding a room in Central London. Residing centrally meant being near major sights, social hubs, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport system—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates easy movement between zones.
Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs reaching as much as £5.25. To economize on travel, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transportation. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides economical travel choices for students. In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the central zones, although fares differ based on distance and the train company.
Living in Central London has its advantages but also entails high living expenses. To manage my budget, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they allowed me to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that private rentals might not facilitate.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was a crucial aspect. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to budget-conscious students. Being near essential shops, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during hectic times like exam periods, conserving both time and energy.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging task, given the city’s expanse and variety. The city’s ethnic communities form a fundamental part of its cultural identity, providing a rich amalgamation of traditions and experiences. Many international students tend to flock towards areas that evoke a sense of home.
For example, Southall in West London is famous for its substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, situated in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End is a busy hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods represent just a few instances of the cultural wealth that London has in store.
### Embracing Life in London
In conclusion, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural sectors, its accessibility, or its energetic social atmosphere, London offers something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone seeking a home in this extraordinary city is to welcome its diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and fully leverage the possibilities it presents.
My experience in London has been remarkable thus far, and I am eager to uncover even more about this dynamic city in the months ahead.
*By Guest Blogger*
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/)