### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be a lengthy period, it has been sufficient for me to acquire several important insights about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its array of housing options but also for the rich cultural diversity found within its communities. Students, in particular, have access to an abundance of housing possibilities, from student residences to private rentals. These choices include ensuite and communal bathrooms, individual and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly easy. Conversely, international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to seek out potential living arrangements online. These platforms offer information about facilities, distances to public transport, and other vital details, simplifying the process for those less acquainted with the city.
### Securing a Place to Live
When I started my quest for accommodation, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. My objective was to be near key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is structured in six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s excellent transport infrastructure—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones.
However, traveling between zones can be costly, with daily fares reaching up to £5.25. To economize, I chose to walk short routes rather than rely on public transportation. For longer journeys, I utilized an Oyster card, which greatly decreased travel expenses. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for these transport services vary based on the distance and train operator’s pricing structure.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also involves elevated living expenses. To mitigate costs, I opted to share a room with a fellow university student. This collaboration allowed us to save significantly on rent. I decided to live in intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages—something that private accommodations might not facilitate as readily.
### Importance of Location
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also easily accessible. Being near vital stores—like supermarkets and pharmacies—is incredibly handy, particularly during hectic periods such as exam seasons.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a community to reside in is a challenging endeavor. London’s ethnic groups contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, providing a broad spectrum of neighborhoods to discover. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke a sense of familiarity and ties to their native countries.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian population, featuring an array of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the bustling West End presents a lively hub of Chinese eateries, boutiques, and cultural festivities. These are but a few illustrations of the diverse neighborhoods that define London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal neighborhood in London depends on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re looking for your next residence or merely exploring the city, London’s diverse housing options and cultural districts have something for everyone. My time here has been a thrilling adventure, and I have come to cherish the convenience, vibrancy, and richness of this incredible city.
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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/)*