### Nine Months in London: Insights Gained
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it might not appear extensive, this duration has allowed me to uncover numerous significant lessons about life in this dynamic metropolis. London is celebrated for its wide variety of housing options and the vibrant cultural communities that inhabit it. Particularly for students, there is an abundance of housing opportunities available. Choices span from student residences to private rentals, with configurations that include ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
Local students find it relatively easy to schedule apartment viewings. In contrast, international students can make use of platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to virtually navigate possible accommodations, review amenities, and gauge their distances from public transport.
### Locating a Home
As I embarked on my quest for a living space, my priority was securing a room in Central London. I aimed to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and—crucially—Imperial College’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The city offers an impressive transportation network, including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones.
To cut down on travel expenses—since commuting between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily—I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending solely on public transport. Nevertheless, for commuting to university, Oyster cards have made travel far more economical. Besides the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail systems link areas beyond central London, although ticket prices vary based on distance and the pricing model of the train operator.
Residing in Central London comes with notable advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. To curtail costs, I resolved to share a room with a friend, leading to a significant reduction in our rent. Additionally, I opted to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—an opportunity that private housing might not readily provide.
### Accessibility to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. Some widely recognized supermarkets in London are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also favored. Proximity to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves valuable time, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
### Choosing the Right Area
Picking a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of distinct neighbourhoods. Many international students prefer areas that evoke memories of their homeland.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its extensive South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Likewise, Chinatown, situated at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of the many culturally vibrant neighbourhoods that London has to offer.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal location to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new home or just discovering the city, London’s diversity and richness render it an extraordinary place to inhabit. With its diverse accommodation offerings and vibrant cultural districts, the city caters to everyone’s tastes.
By embracing this diversity and immersing yourself in the distinct experiences London presents, you’ll discover that living here is as thrilling as it is fulfilling.
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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/)*