**Residing in London: Insights from Nine Months in the City**
*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 extensive, it has provided ample opportunity to glean several important insights about life in this dynamic and multicultural city. London is renowned not just for its abundant history and culture but also for its myriad accommodation choices and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a vast range of options, from student housing to private rentals, encompassing ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, and house shares.
For domestic students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple. Nonetheless, international students can depend on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate prospective housing online. These sites offer information regarding amenities and the proximity to public transportation, simplifying the search process considerably.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I initiated my search, my preference was to rent a room in Central London. Proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and my university campus at Imperial College was essential. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts an outstanding transportation system—including the Underground (often referred to as the Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel between these zones.
To cut down on travel expenses, I opted to walk short distances instead of depending on public transport. Inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 daily, yet utilizing an Oyster card considerably lowers commuting costs for students. For longer journeys, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, linking outer zones to the city center. However, ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the train operator.
Residing in Central London offers benefits but also presents challenges, notably the steep cost of living. To control expenses, I chose to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rent. Additionally, I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations, as they provided the chance to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—something private housing may not facilitate as conveniently.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, living near grocery stores was essential. London is populated with numerous supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op. For more economical choices, retailers such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are popular. Having essential services like supermarkets and pharmacies close by is particularly advantageous, especially during hectic times such as exam season.
### Picking the Ideal Neighborhood
Choosing a neighborhood to reside in can be an overwhelming endeavor in a city as expansive and diverse as London. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural depth, providing a sense of familiarity and community to international students.
For example, Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End delivers a bustling environment with its Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods exemplify just a fraction of the numerous cultural hubs that render London exceptional.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal place to reside in London ultimately varies based on your personal tastes and priorities. Whether you’re attracted to the city’s cultural diversity, its convenient transport links, or its vibrant social atmosphere, London has something to cater to everyone.
As you seek a home in this extraordinary city, invest time in exploring its varied accommodation types, immerse yourself in its cultural neighborhoods, and embrace the thrill of London living.
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*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/)*