**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I started my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity to absorb and acclimate to life in this vibrant metropolis. London is renowned not only for its wide array of housing alternatives but also for its rich and lively communities. For students, the city boasts numerous options, ranging from student accommodations to private lodgings, with features such as ensuite and communal bathrooms, single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly easy, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover potential living arrangements online. These sites offer insights about facilities and proximity to public transport, simplifying the planning process.
### Securing Accommodation
When I commenced my search for housing, my primary goal was to find a room in Central London. Being near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus was important to me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s superb public transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between zones.
To cut down on transportation expenses, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. However, for longer journeys, the Oyster card emerged as a budget-friendly solution. Inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily, making it essential to find ways to reduce these costs. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, covering areas outside the city center. Travel prices on these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator.
Living in Central London offers benefits but also comes with steep living expenses. To help manage costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing, which provided the chance to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to supermarkets was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, whereas budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students seeking to save expenses. Being near essential shops, including pharmacies, is particularly advantageous during demanding periods like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, given the city’s vast cultural diversity. Many international students gravitate toward neighborhoods that mirror the comforts of their home countries. For instance:
– **Southall** in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton** in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighborhoods represent just a few examples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Concluding Reflections
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal requirements and interests. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s diverse communities or its central attractions, London provides a plethora of accommodation choices to fit every lifestyle. Embrace the city’s cultural vibrancy, explore its neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
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**Byline:** [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)
**Categories:** [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)
**Tags:** [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/)