**Living in London: Nine Months of Experiences and Takeaways**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this time frame may appear brief, it has been adequate for me to accumulate significant lessons about life in this dynamic and multicultural city. London stands as a center of cultural and social engagement, providing a vast selection of housing options tailored to the requirements of its inhabitants, including students. From student accommodations to private rentals, the choices vary from ensuite and shared bathrooms to individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For home students, arranging apartment viewings is relatively easy. On the other hand, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
### Locating Your Ideal Home
As I initiated my hunt for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a spot in Central London. I desired to be near the city’s key sites, social hubs, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s robust transportation network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy navigation among these zones.
However, traveling between zones can accumulate costs, with daily expenses escalating up to £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter routes rather than relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as an economical choice. Moreover, services like the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, linking areas outside Central London. The fare for these services varies according to the distance traveled and the specific pricing system of each train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also entails elevated living expenses. To manage costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also attending university. This arrangement considerably lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a dynamic often missing in private rentals.
### Closeness to Necessities
For me, living near grocery stores ranked high on my priority list. London features an array of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also readily accessible. Being near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing the right neighborhood in London can be overwhelming, given the city’s astounding diversity. London’s ethnic communities profoundly contribute to its cultural tapestry, creating unique neighborhoods that embody various heritages.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional fashion shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods offer a sense of connection for international students seeking links to their home cultures.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to live in London hinges on individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural neighborhoods, its convenience, or its energetic social life, London caters to all. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for a residence in this exceptional city is to value its diversity, delve into its vibrant neighborhoods, and seize the opportunities it presents.
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*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/)*