**Experiencing Life in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*

Nine months back, I began my adventure of residing in London. While this duration may not appear extensive, it has provided me with significant awareness regarding existence in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing options but also for its rich and multicultural neighborhoods. Students in the city have a plethora of housing alternatives, from student accommodations to private rentals, including ensuite rooms, communal living spaces, studio flats, and house shares.

For local students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is relatively easy. In contrast, international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate housing online. These resources offer insights into facilities and distance to public transport, streamlining the search experience.

### Locating a Place to Call Home

When I began my hunt, I was enthusiastic about renting a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social venues, and, most crucially, my university campus at Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between these zones.

To minimize travel expenses, I preferred walking shorter distances instead of relying on public transport, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. For lengthier journeys, I discovered the Oyster card to be an economical choice for university commutes. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering outlying zones. However, fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of the train operator.

Residing in Central London has its advantages, but it also entails increased living expenses. To cope with costs, I shared a room with a friend, which greatly decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations since they provided chances to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that is more challenging with private rentals.

### Accessibility to Essentials

For me, having grocery stores nearby was essential. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are ideal for students aiming to conserve funds. Being close to vital stores and pharmacies was extremely beneficial, especially during hectic exam times when every moment counts.

### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood

Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a complicated endeavor due to the city’s vastness and variety. The ethnic communities of London are a fundamental aspect of its cultural essence, offering distinctive neighborhoods that mirror their traditions.

For example, Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Conversely, Chinatown in the West End boasts an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods provide a sense of comfort for international students seeking familiarity with their home cultures.

### Celebrating London’s Diversity

Ultimately, the ideal area for living in London hinges on your individual tastes and priorities. Whether you are attracted to cultural zones, closeness to your university, or access to necessary services, London’s accommodation market addresses a broad spectrum of preferences.

Living in this extraordinary city has proved to be a fulfilling journey. From discovering its varied neighborhoods to navigating its effective transportation system, London presents a singular combination of convenience, culture, and thrill. For anyone on the lookout for a new home here, I urge you to embrace the city’s diversity and capitalise on everything it offers.

*By Guest Blogger*
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/)

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