**Exploring Life in London: Insights from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I set out on my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has granted me significant understanding of life in this lively and diverse metropolis. London presents not only an extensive selection of housing options but also a vibrant mix of communities that render it a genuinely distinctive place to reside. For students, the city offers a multitude of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, including features like ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple. Yet, international students, including myself, frequently depend on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate housing possibilities online. These sites offer information about amenities and proximity to public transport, facilitating the process for those less familiar with the city.
### Discovering Your Home
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, vibrant social spots, and the Imperial College campus was crucial for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The city’s outstanding transport system—including the Underground (widely known as the Tube), buses, and trains—allows for easy navigation across zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. Inter-zonal travel can amount to up to £5.25 per day, but discounted Oyster card options have made traveling to university more cost-effective. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Nevertheless, fares for these services can vary based on the distance and the specific operator.
Residing in Central London comes with its advantages, but it also entails higher living expenses. To tackle costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodation, as it created opportunities to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something harder to achieve with private rentals.
### Being Close to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also plentiful. Being near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is particularly convenient during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing the appropriate neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s rich cultural diversity is mirrored in its many ethnic communities, each presenting a unique experience. Numerous international students tend to favor locales that remind them of their homeland.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is praised for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods are merely a few illustrations of the cultural wealth that London provides.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal living spot in London is contingent on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the convenience of central areas, the affordability of outer zones, or the cultural vibrancy of specific neighbourhoods, London caters to everyone’s preferences.
As you embark on the search for your new residence in this extraordinary city, take the time to delve into its diverse housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural districts, and relish the unique experiences that London has in store.
*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/)