**Residing in London: Nine Months of Experiences**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months ago, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. While this duration might not appear lengthy, it has provided ample opportunities to gather meaningful experiences about life in this lively and varied city. London is famous not only for its historic landmarks but also for its extensive range of living arrangements and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a plethora of housing options, from student residences to private leases. Choices include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and communal rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is quite simple. Nevertheless, international students can take advantage of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to investigate potential homes online. These platforms offer comprehensive details concerning amenities, accessibility to public transportation, and other crucial information, facilitating the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my quest for accommodation in Central London, my main objective was to reside near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city’s outstanding transit system—including the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—makes navigating between zones quite convenient.
In order to economize on travel expenses, which can amount to as much as £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, the Oyster card provides reduced fare options, making it a sensible choice for students. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking regions outside the city center. However, the fares for these services fluctuate depending on the distance traveled and the pricing policies of the train operators.
Living in Central London offers its advantages but also entails higher living expenses. To control costs, my friend and I made the decision to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as I was keen on engaging with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets—a vibrant atmosphere that private rentals might not provide.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, residing near grocery stores was crucial. London boasts numerous supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-conscious options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is extremely convenient, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be a daunting task due to the city’s extensive diversity. The ethnic communities in London are a vital part of its cultural fabric, presenting a captivating mix of traditions and cuisines. Numerous international students tend to favor areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London highlights a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community alongside a dynamic music culture. On the other hand, Chinatown in the core of the West End showcases a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These neighborhoods exemplify just a few of London’s cultural hotspots.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the prime location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural richness, its efficient transport links, or its lively communities, London has something to offer for everyone.
As you embark on your quest for a new home in this extraordinary city, take the opportunity to explore its diverse living options and neighborhoods. Embrace the distinctive experiences that London presents and make the most of your stay in this vibrant metropolis.
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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/)*