**Residing in London: A Journey of Nine Months**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I initiated my experience of living in London. Although this duration might not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant perspectives on life in this dynamic and multicultural metropolis. London is renowned not only for its profound history and cultural landscape but also for its diverse selection of housing options and communities. For students, the city presents a plethora of choices, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, which encompass ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For home students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite simple, while international students can depend on sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for properties online. These platforms offer comprehensive details regarding amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial specifics, facilitating the search for a fitting place to reside.
### Locating the Ideal Living Space
At the start of my accommodation hunt, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. Being in proximity to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport system, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traveling between zones quite manageable. Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be expensive, with daily costs soaring up to £5.25.
To cut down on travel expenditures, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that using an Oyster card considerably alleviated travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, providing access to regions outside Central London. However, the rates for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operators.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also comes with elevated living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to save significantly on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student housing, as it gave me the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is often more challenging with private lease arrangements.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was an absolute necessity. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers and pharmacies is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Discovering London’s Varied Communities
Selecting the right neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming challenge, given the city’s remarkable diversity. The various ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural vibrancy, presenting distinctive neighbourhoods that cater to diverse tastes and interests.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown located in the West End of London presents a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods offer international students a sense of belonging and a link to their native cultures.
### Concluding Remarks
Ultimately, the best place to reside in London depends on one’s individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural hubs, its accessible transport connections, or its varied housing choices, London truly has something for everyone. My suggestion? Embrace the diversity of the city, explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the convenience and thrill that London provides.
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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/)*