**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Adventure**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I commenced my experience of residing in London. Although this might not appear as a substantial duration, it has provided me with significant perspectives on this lively and varied city. London is renowned not just for its landmark attractions but also for its assortment of housing opportunities and multicultural neighborhoods. For students, the city presents a wealth of accommodation options, ranging from student lodgings to private rentals, featuring ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling viewings for apartments tends to be fairly easy. However, international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to discover possible accommodations online. These platforms supply information about amenities and closeness to public transit, simplifying the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I started my hunt for a residence, I concentrated on Central London. I aspired to be near major attractions, social spots, and, most crucially, the campus of Imperial College. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s outstanding transportation infrastructure, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement between zones.
To minimize travel expenses—since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day—I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer trips, I utilized an Oyster card, which provides discounted travel options for students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services cover areas beyond the Underground network, granting access to outer zones. Nevertheless, fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the particular train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages but also involves hefty living expenses. To cope with costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I decided to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, seeking to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—an experience that private rentals might not have offered.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. London boasts an array of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available as well. Being near key stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saved me considerable time and hassle, particularly during hectic times like exam seasons.
### Selecting the Right Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting, considering the city’s extensive cultural diversity. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its identity, fostering vibrant and distinctive neighborhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to areas that echo the culture of their home countries.
For example, Southall in West London is a center for the South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods represent just a fraction of the cultural wealth London possesses.
### Embracing London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London is contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the vibrant cultural enclaves, the convenience, or the dynamic social life, London has something to offer everyone.
As I look back on my nine months here, I have grown to appreciate the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation options and communities. Living in this extraordinary city has been an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, and I anticipate uncovering even more in the forthcoming months.
—
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
**Categorized 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/)