**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Overview**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Nearly nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of living in London. Although this period may seem brief, it has provided me with insightful experiences regarding life in this dynamic and multicultural metropolis. London is renowned not only for its historical richness and iconic sites but also for its extensive variety of housing options and diverse communities. For students, the city presents a multitude of accommodation choices, from student housing to private rentals, including options like ensuite rooms, shared apartments, individual studios, and house shares.

For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. On the other hand, international students can leverage platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to assess potential housing options online. These resources offer comprehensive details about amenities, transportation accessibility, and other crucial information, facilitating the search for those unfamiliar with the area.

### Securing a Home in Central London

As I embarked on my quest for suitable accommodation, my focus was directed toward Central London. I aimed to remain close to major attractions, social venues, and, crucially, the campus of Imperial College London. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s commendable public transport system, encompassing the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes inter-zonal travel effortless.

To curtail travel costs—given that moving between zones can be as high as £5.25 per day—I chose to walk shorter routes rather than depend on public transport. For extended journeys, the Oyster card has been invaluable, providing discounted rates for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach further than the Underground network, connecting outlying zones to the city center. Nevertheless, fares for these services differ depending on the distance and the pricing model of the train operator.

Residing in Central London presents advantages but also several challenges, primarily the steep living costs. To alleviate some of these financial burdens, I made the decision to share a room with a fellow university student. This setup drastically lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which allowed me to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a social dynamic that is less common in private rentals.

### The Significance of Closeness to Essentials

For me, being situated near grocery stores was a crucial factor. Some of the prevalent supermarket chains in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Proximity to essential businesses like supermarkets and pharmacies is exceptionally convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.

### Discovering London’s Varied Districts

Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can feel overwhelming, given London’s size and variety. The city’s ethnic communities greatly contribute to its cultural essence, providing a diverse array of experiences. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home.

For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. At the same time, Chinatown located in the West End is filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These districts represent just a few examples of the city’s multicultural segments.

### Identifying Your Ideal Area

Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London is contingent upon your individual preferences and requirements. Whether your emphasis is on proximity to your university, cultural diversity, or budget-friendliness, the city has offerings for everyone. My suggestion for anyone on the hunt for accommodation in London is to embrace its diversity, explore its distinctive neighborhoods, and fully enjoy the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city provides.


*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/)*

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