### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I set off on my adventure of residing in London. Although this period might not appear significant, it has afforded me the opportunity to glean some important insights about life in this lively city. London is famous not just for its varied housing options but also for the diverse array of communities that reside here. For students, the city presents an abundance of housing alternatives, encompassing student accommodations and private rentals. Choices range from ensuite and shared bathrooms to private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling a viewing for an apartment is fairly uncomplicated. However, international students can utilize platforms like **Rightmove**, **Zoopla**, and **SpareRoom** to browse housing online. These platforms offer comprehensive information regarding amenities, accessibility to public transport, and other vital features, making the search process more manageable from a distance.
—
### Securing a Place to Live
As I initiated my search, my concentration was on securing a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hot spots, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network that includes the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, allowing for easy navigation across the zones.
However, the cost of travel can accumulate quickly. For example, traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. To conserve funds, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using public transport. For longer journeys, utilizing an Oyster card significantly lowered my travel costs. Moreover, the **London Overground** and **National Rail** services extend into outer zones beyond the Underground network. The fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and specific train operators’ pricing policies.
Residing in Central London comes with a steep cost. To mitigate expenses, I opted to share a room with a friend who was also enrolled in university. This decision allowed us to save considerably on rent. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a social dynamic that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
—
### Importance of Location
For me, being situated near grocery stores was essential. Some of the leading supermarkets in London include **Tesco**, **Sainsbury’s**, and **Co-op**, while more economical options like **Aldi**, **Lidl**, and **Iceland** are also widely favored. Proximity to essential stores, including pharmacies, is incredibly practical, particularly during hectic periods like examinations.
—
### Picking the Right Area
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be an overwhelming challenge. The city’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural identity, providing a variety of experiences. Numerous international students tend to gravitate toward areas that reflect the comfort of their home countries.
For example:
– **Southall** in West London is known for its large South Asian population, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene.
– **Chinatown**, located in the heart of the West End, showcases a variety of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighbourhoods represent just a few illustrations of the cultural wealth that London provides.
—
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately hinges on your personal interests and priorities. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied accommodation choices, its cultural neighborhoods, or the efficiency of its transportation system, London caters to everyone’s preferences.
For anyone on the quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, I encourage you to embrace its diversity, explore its distinctive neighbourhoods, and seize the opportunities available.
—
*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/)*