**Experiencing Life in London: A Nine-Month Overview**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
It has been nine months since I started my adventure of residing in London. Though this duration might not appear extensive, it has offered me the opportunity to gather several meaningful observations about life in this dynamic city. London is famed not just for its varied housing choices but also for the vibrant communities that reside within it. Students in particular can access an array of housing options, from dedicated student accommodations to private rentals, including options such as ensuite bathrooms, shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging a viewing for an apartment is fairly simple, while international students can depend on resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential places to stay online. These websites furnish comprehensive details about amenities and their proximity to public transport, enhancing accessibility for those arriving from overseas.
### Searching for My Home
When I initiated my hunt for a living space, my focus was on securing a room in Central London. It was essential for me to be near significant attractions, social spots, and my university, Imperial College. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. The impressive transport infrastructure—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using public transport, as inter-zone travel can reach up to £5.25 each day. Nevertheless, the Oyster card system has made commuting far more budget-friendly for students. For longer trips, the London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. The costs for these services depend on the distance traveled and the train operator involved.
Residing in Central London, albeit convenient, carries a steep cost. To help manage my finances, I opted to share a room with a friend, which greatly lowered our rental expenses. Additionally, I decided to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, seeking to meet classmates from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Importance of Convenience
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Some prevalent supermarkets in London consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retail outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies can save significant time, particularly during hectic times such as exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood can be quite challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting numerous unique areas to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate towards locations that reflect the comforts of their native countries.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a vibrant South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene. At the same time, Chinatown in the West End features a bustling hub of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These areas are just a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural diversity.
### Embracing Life in London
In the end, the optimal area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you are attracted by the city’s varied accommodation alternatives, its cultural hubs, or the convenience of its transportation system, London presents a wealth of offerings for everyone.
For those on the lookout for a new residence in this extraordinary city, my suggestion is to embrace the diversity, discover its lively neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the opportunities it has to offer. London is genuinely a city like no other.
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*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/)*