**Residing in London: Nine Months of Revelations**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this may appear to be a brief period, it has sufficed for me to accumulate some insightful revelations regarding life in this dynamic city. London stands as not just a center of varied housing alternatives but also a diverse blend of communities from across the globe. For students, the metropolis provides an abundant range of selections, including student residences and private housing, such as ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple. On the other hand, international students can depend on platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate properties online, evaluate amenities, and determine closeness to public transport.
### Securing a Place to Call Home
In my quest for accommodation, I prioritized finding a room in Central London. I aimed to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and most critically, the Imperial College campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between zones.
To minimize transportation costs, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Travel between zones can reach up to £5.25 per day, but the Oyster card framework has notably lowered commuting expenses for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, although fares fluctuate based on distance and train operator.
However, residing in Central London comes with a significant financial burden. To mitigate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, resulting in considerable savings on rent. Additionally, I selected to live in intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating interactions with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics—a combination that’s more challenging to encounter in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery outlets was imperative. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly available, whereas cost-effective alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in close vicinity to essential shops and pharmacies is a boon, particularly during hectic periods like exam season.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing where to reside in London can be daunting, as the city’s ethnic communities enrich its neighbourhoods uniquely. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward locations that provide a sense of comfort.
– **Southall** in West London is recognized for its significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian dining establishments, grocery markets, and traditional clothing outlets.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities.
These are merely a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the most suitable location to live in London hinges on your individual requirements and passions. Whether you’re navigating the city’s varied housing options, immersing in its cultural neighbourhoods, or benefiting from its exceptional transport infrastructure, London holds something for everyone.
Residing in this extraordinary city has been a rewarding journey, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more in the upcoming months.
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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/)*