**Living in London: Insights from Nine Months in the Capital**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to impart some important lessons about existence in this lively and multifaceted city. London is renowned not just for its famous landmarks and rich culture but also for the array of housing options and communities it presents. For students, the city offers a wide range of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals, including options like ensuite rooms, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling in-person apartment viewings is fairly easy. However, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online, verify amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport links.
### Discovering a Place to Call Home
During my accommodation search, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. I desired proximity to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and, most importantly, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most centrally located. The city’s superb transportation system—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—enables easy movement between zones.
Nevertheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily expenses amounting to as much as £5.25. To economize on travel costs, I frequently decided to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card proved to be a more economical choice. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of the operator.
Residing in Central London brings its advantages but also substantial living expenses. To handle costs, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This arrangement notably decreased our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodation, as it offered a chance to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—something that private rentals might not facilitate as easily.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most frequently visited supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also well-liked. Being near essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the right neighbourhood to reside in can be daunting, given London’s enormity and diversity. The city’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural makeup, presenting a rich array of neighbourhoods to explore.
For example, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighbourhoods create a sense of familiarity for international students while highlighting London’s multicultural essence.
### Maximizing Your London Experience
In the end, the ideal area to live in hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are inclined towards cultural enclaves, the convenience of central locations, or the affordability of outer zones, London caters to everyone’s needs.
As you embark on the search for your ideal home in this extraordinary city, appreciate its diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and relish the excitement and opportunities that London presents.
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*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/)