**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Retrospective**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I initiated my adventure of living in London. Although this duration might appear brief, it has provided ample opportunity to uncover valuable perspectives on life in this lively and ever-evolving city. London is renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the vibrant cultural communities that reside here. For students, the city presents a plethora of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
Local students find it relatively easy to arrange apartment viewings. Meanwhile, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate possible living arrangements online. These sites offer information about amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other crucial details, streamlining the entire process.
### Locating a Residence in Central London
In my accommodation hunt, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to major attractions, bustling social spots, and, most importantly, the Imperial College campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding public transport system, comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation across zones.
To reduce travel expenses—since inter-zonal trips can run as high as £5.25 per day—I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For university trips, the Oyster card provides discount travel options, which substantially lower costs. For areas outside the Underground network, services like the London Overground and National Rail ensure connectivity, though fares differ based on distance and train operators.
However, residing in Central London entails high living expenses. To keep costs manageable, I made the decision to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to significantly cut down on rent. I also opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges, a benefit that private housing might not have afforded as readily.
### Closeness to Necessities
Being situated near grocery stores was a priority for me. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is extremely convenient, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be daunting, considering the city’s vast cultural diversity. London’s ethnic communities significantly enhance its vibrant essence, presenting an assortment of neighbourhoods that cater to various cultural heritages.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End showcases a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These areas offer a sense of familiarity and comfort for international students seeking to connect with their cultural roots.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the most suitable area to reside in London hinges on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its accessible transport links, or its vibrant social landscape, London has offerings for everyone.
As you search for your sanctuary in this extraordinary city, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, discover its unique neighbourhoods, and seize the exciting prospects that London has in store.
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*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/)*