### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this period may not appear lengthy, it has provided me with significant insights regarding life in this dynamic city. London boasts not only a variety of living arrangements but also a rich tapestry of communities. For students, the city presents an extensive selection of housing options, ranging from student residences to private leases, including ensuite accommodations, shared flats, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling apartment viewings is a seamless process, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse properties online. These platforms offer information about facilities and closeness to public transit, simplifying the planning process.
### Locating a Place to Reside
When I initiated my accommodation search, my primary goal was to find a room in Central London. Residing centrally meant being near key landmarks, social centers, and, most crucially, Imperial College’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with Zones 1 and 2 being the most central. The city’s fantastic public transport system—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones.
To cut travel expenses, I preferred to walk for short distances rather than depending on buses or the tube. Traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, but discounted Oyster card options provide more economical commuting for students. For longer stretches, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, although ticket prices fluctuate based on distance and operator.
Nevertheless, living in Central London comes with a hefty price. To lessen expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I also chose to reside in intercollegiate student accommodations, with the aim of meeting individuals from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—an experience that would have been more difficult to encounter in private housing.
### Accessibility to Essentials
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Leading supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are plentiful, while cost-effective choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated close to essential shops and pharmacies conserves time, particularly during hectic periods such as exam season.
### Selecting the Right Area
Picking a neighborhood in London can prove daunting due to the city’s extensive scope and variety. The ethnic communities in London form a vital part of its cultural essence, presenting distinctive neighborhoods that resonate like home for many international students.
For example, Southall in West London is recognized for its substantial South Asian population, filled with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is an active epicenter of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods offer newcomers a feeling of belonging and community.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. Whether you are navigating the city’s diverse housing alternatives or immersing yourself in its cultural precincts, London has something for everyone. My time here has been a fulfilling journey, and I eagerly anticipate uncovering even more in this extraordinary city.
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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/)*