**Nine Months in London: Insights Gained**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of residing in London. Though it may not appear to be an extensive period, it has been sufficient to impart several invaluable insights about life in this dynamic and multifaceted city. London is famous not only for its extensive history and culture but also for its varied housing options and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a myriad of housing alternatives, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, which include ensuite rooms, shared living spaces, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, arranging apartment viewings is fairly simple, whereas international students can take advantage of websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover possible accommodations online. These platforms offer comprehensive details regarding amenities and closeness to public transportation, simplifying the search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my quest for a residence, my main goal was to secure a room in Central London. Being near major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial College’s campus was crucial for me. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation network, including the Underground (popularly referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation between these zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—since journeys between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily—I decided to walk shorter distances rather than depend on public transport. For lengthier commutes, I discovered that using an Oyster card noticeably lowered travel costs. Furthermore, services like the London Overground and National Rail reach beyond the Underground framework, providing access to areas outside central London. However, prices for these services differ based on the distance traveled and the fare policy of the train operator.
Residing in Central London does carry a steep cost, yet I was lucky to share accommodation with a friend, which significantly alleviated our rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blend that’s more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
### Closeness to Essentials
One of my must-haves was residing near grocery stores. London boasts a variety of supermarkets, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, in addition to economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being situated near essential shops and pharmacies proved invaluable, particularly during exam periods when time is of the essence.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is no simple feat, given the city’s vast diversity. London’s ethnic communities form a fundamental part of its cultural wealth, providing a sense of familiarity and belonging for international students.
For example, Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian population, with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music scene. On the other hand, Chinatown in the West End is a lively center of Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighbourhoods are just a few illustrations of the cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s uniqueness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
In the end, the ideal place to live in London hinges on your personal interests and requirements. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its vibrant atmosphere, London offers something to suit everyone. My journey has enlightened me to embrace the diversity and richness of the city’s housing options while relishing the thrill of living in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
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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/)*