**Living in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I embarked on my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has been sufficient to acquire meaningful insights into existence within this dynamic city. London stands as a nexus of varied housing options and serves as a melting pot for communities worldwide. For students, the city provides an abundance of selections, from student residences to private housing, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared accommodations.
For students from the UK, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is quite simple. However, international students can utilize resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing options online, examine available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for a residence, I directed my attention toward Central London. Being near significant attractions, lively areas, and the Imperial College campus was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding public transport network—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—which facilitates easy movement between zones.
To minimize travel expenses, I chose to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Traveling between zones can accumulate costs up to £5.25 per day, but tools like the Oyster card have made commuting more budget-friendly for students. Furthermore, options like the London Overground and National Rail service connect areas beyond the Underground system, although fares for these options differ based on distance and operator.
Residing in Central London brings advantages, yet it also corresponds with elevated living expenses. To alleviate costs, I made the decision to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I sought to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a dynamic that’s more challenging to encounter in private housing.
### The Value of Convenience
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide excellent alternatives. Being near vital shops, including pharmacies, is extraordinarily useful, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Choosing the right neighbourhood in London poses a challenge, as the city’s ethnic communities contribute a unique richness to its cultural tapestry. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that resonate with the familiarity of their home countries.
For instance, Southall in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian demographic, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods represent just a fragment of the cultural diversity that London presents.
### Discovering Your Ideal Location
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately relies on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse housing options, its cultural hubs, or its accessible transport links, London caters to every preference. Celebrate the city’s vibrancy, explore its neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities this extraordinary place offers.
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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/)*