**Insights from Nine Months of Residing in London**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might appear brief, it has provided me with significant understanding of living in this lively and multifaceted city. London is widely acknowledged for its deep history and culture, alongside a diverse array of housing options and the vibrant communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents numerous possibilities, from student residences to private living spaces, which include ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For those from abroad, sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom serve as essential resources for searching for potential lodgings online. These platforms offer comprehensive details on amenities and proximity to public transport, facilitating advanced planning. Conversely, local students often benefit from the ability to schedule in-person viewings of apartments.
### Securing a Home Base
When I initiated my hunt for accommodation, I was eager to rent a room in Central London. Being close to key attractions, bustling social areas, and my university at Imperial College was essential to me. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an exceptional transportation system—comprising the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—that simplifies navigation across zones.
Nonetheless, traveling between zones can be pricey, with daily costs reaching as high as £5.25. To economize on travel, I chose to walk short distances whenever feasible. For extended journeys, the Oyster card turned out to be a budget-friendly option. Furthermore, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground, providing broader coverage. Fares for these services differ based on travel distance and the respective fare structures of the operating companies.
Residing in Central London comes with its advantages, but it also entails steeper living expenses. To curb costs, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This arrangement considerably lessened our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a blend that is often harder to find in private housing.
### The Value of Accessibility
For me, being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies was crucial. Well-known supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to those wanting to economize. Proximity to these stores was especially advantageous during hectic times, like exam periods, when every moment counts.
### Discovering London’s Varied Neighbourhoods
Selecting the ideal locality in London isn’t straightforward. The city’s cultural richness is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each providing a distinctive experience. For many international students, locating a sense of familiarity in these communities can ease the transition to life in London.
– **Southall**: Found in West London, Southall has a substantial South Asian presence, featuring a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional apparel outlets.
– **Brixton**: Located in South London, Brixton is celebrated for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and energetic music scene.
– **Chinatown**: Situated in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown presents a busy environment with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings.
These neighbourhoods are merely a few samples of the cultural enclaves that contribute to the richness and diversity of London.
### Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, the most suitable area for residing in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s cultural centers, convenience, or lively communities, London provides something for everyone. My recommendation for anyone on the lookout for a place in this extraordinary city is to embrace its diversity, delve into its many neighbourhoods, and maximize the opportunities it 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/)*