**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, it has allowed me to accumulate valuable experiences about life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the vibrant mix of communities that call it home. For students, the city presents a plethora of accommodation choices, from student halls to private rentals. Options range from ensuite to shared bathrooms, private rooms to shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is simple, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online. These sites offer insights into facilities and accessibility to public transport, making the search process more user-friendly.
### Securing a Place to Stay
In my pursuit of accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, entertainment areas, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. However, the Oyster card system has made commuting more economical for students. For longer travels, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, although fares differ based on distance and the train operator.
Living in Central London offers its advantages but comes with significant living expenses. To control costs, I made the decision to share a room with a friend, which substantially lowered our rent. I chose to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and age groups—something more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Having grocery stores nearby was a major priority for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential retailers, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is incredibly beneficial, particularly during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting due to the city’s immense diversity. The ethnic communities in London significantly contribute to its cultural essence, offering a wide range of neighbourhoods that cater to various tastes and preferences.
For example, Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian population, complete with Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Conversely, Chinatown in the West End is a lively center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These areas offer a sense of comfort for international students looking to connect with their home culture.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal area to reside in London ultimately relies on your individual interests and requirements. Whether you value closeness to your university, cultural richness, or affordability, London has something for everyone. Embrace the city’s diverse accommodation offerings, investigate its distinctive cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of life in this extraordinary metropolis.
—
*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/)*