**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Nine months back, I started my experience of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided me with significant insights into life within this lively city. London embodies a fusion of cultures and communities, presenting a wide variety of housing choices for both students and locals. Whether in search of student accommodation or private rentals, options abound—ranging from ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, to studio flats and house shares.

International students can greatly benefit from platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These sites enable you to investigate possible housing, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport—all while remaining comfortably situated in your current location. Conversely, home students typically enjoy the benefit of arranging in-person viewings.

### Locating a Place to Call Home

Upon commencing my search, my aim was to find a room in Central London. Being near major sights, lively hangouts, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is segmented into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. The city boasts an excellent public transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates travel across these zones.

Nevertheless, transportation expenses can accumulate swiftly. For example, inter-zonal fares can reach as high as £5.25 daily. To cut down on costs, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize public transport. For lengthier journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical option. Besides the Underground, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend to regions beyond central London, with fares influenced by distance and the train service provider.

Residing in Central London has its advantages but also higher living expenses. To alleviate this issue, I opted to share a room with a friend, which notably lowered our rent. Furthermore, I chose intercollegiate student accommodation, which provided a chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—something more difficult to attain with private rentals.

### Accessibility to Essentials

For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to budget-conscious individuals. Being conveniently located near essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during busy periods such as exam time.

### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood

Choosing the right neighbourhood in London can feel overwhelming. The city’s cultural diversity is mirrored in its distinct ethnic enclaves, each presenting a unique experience. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas reminiscent of their home countries.

For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its lively South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and flourishing music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.

These neighbourhoods represent just a few instances of the cultural wealth London has to offer.

### Concluding Thoughts

The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s varied housing options, its cultural districts, or the ease of urban existence, London provides something for all tastes. Embrace the process of discovering your new home, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this extraordinary city.


*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/)

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