**Residing in London: Nine Months of Discoveries**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I started my adventure of living in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive period, it has provided me with invaluable perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is renowned not just for its varied housing options, but also for the rich blend of communities that inhabit it. For students, the city presents a wide range of choices, from student residences to private rentals. Available options feature ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is quite an easy process. Conversely, international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually explore potential living spaces, examine amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport connections.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. My desire was to reside near key attractions, social hotspots, and most importantly, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. The city’s outstanding transport network—consisting of the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement across these zones.
To minimize travel expenses, which can escalate to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on public transport. For longer trips, the Oyster card turned out to be an economical choice. In addition to the Underground, services such as the London Overground and National Rail extend to regions outside central London, although fares fluctuate according to the distance and the service provider.
Living in Central London offers advantages but also comes with steep living expenses. To manage costs, I decided to share a room with a friend, which considerably lowered our rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provide a chance to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets—something more challenging with private rentals.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. London has numerous supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are widely accessible. Being near essential shops and pharmacies is incredibly convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is quite challenging, as the city’s ethnic communities are intricately woven into its cultural landscape. Many international students find themselves gravitating towards areas that provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. At the same time, Chinatown, positioned in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighbourhoods represent just a few slices of the city’s vast diversity.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London hinges on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to cultural enclaves, close access to vital amenities, or the allure of Central London, the city has something to offer everyone.
As you embark on your search for a new home in London, take the opportunity to explore its diverse housing options, delve into its cultural richness, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
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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/)