**My Nine-Month Experience in London: Observations and Considerations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure in London, and although it may not appear to be a lengthy period, it has provided me with significant insights. London is a vibrant city, showcasing not only a plethora of housing options but also a rich mosaic of varied communities. For students, the city presents numerous choices, including student residences and private housing, featuring amenities such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite simple. However, international students like myself commonly depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse accommodations digitally. These sites provide the opportunity to explore potential living spaces, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transport—an important factor when navigating a city as sprawling as London.
### Finding the Ideal Living Arrangement
When I started my quest for accommodation, my goal was to locate a room in Central London. Being near primary attractions, social hubs, and, most importantly, the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding public transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates travel between zones.
To save on commuting costs, I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on buses or the Tube. Inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily, so minimizing transportation costs was a practical decision. For longer journeys, I discovered that Oyster cards greatly decreased travel expenses, especially for university-related trips. Additionally, services like the London Overground and National Rail stretch beyond the Underground network, connecting outer zones to the city center. However, fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers numerous advantages but also comes with its difficulties—foremost being the steep cost of living. To help manage expenses, I decided to share a room with a friend who was also studying at university. This arrangement enabled us to significantly lower our rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, which allowed me to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living close to grocery stores was a must. Some of the predominant supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also prevalent. Being near essential stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, turned out to be invaluable, particularly during hectic times like exam periods. This accessibility saved me time and simplified daily tasks.
### Selecting the Right Area
Choosing a neighborhood to reside in is no straightforward task, especially in a city as varied as London. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a multitude of vibrant neighborhoods to discover. Many international students tend to gravitate toward areas that reflect the familiarity of their home cultures.
For example, Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community and features a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are just a few examples of the cultural wealth that London offers.
### Concluding Thoughts
In the end, the ideal area to live in London varies based on personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re attracted to the vibrancy of Central London or the cultural enclaves in the outer zones, the city caters to diverse tastes. My recommendation to anyone searching for a place in London is to embrace the variety of its housing options, explore its unique neighborhoods, and fully appreciate the convenience and liveliness this extraordinary city has to offer.
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*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/