**Residing in London: A Nine-Month Experience**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I commenced my adventure of residing in London. Although this might not appear to be an extensive duration, it has provided ample opportunity to gain insights into this lively and multifaceted city. London serves not only as a center of cultural wealth but also presents a variety of living arrangements and flourishing communities. For students, the options are plentiful, ranging from student accommodations to private housing, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is fairly simple, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse online options. These services offer comprehensive details on amenities and access to public transport, facilitating an easier search process.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
When I initiated my search, my goal was to secure a room in Central London, keeping me near major landmarks, social hotspots, and, most critically, the Imperial College campus. London is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s exceptional transport system—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—ensures easy navigation between these zones.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. To economize, I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than depend on public transport. For longer journeys, I discovered that utilizing an Oyster card significantly lowered transport costs. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend outside the Underground network, reaching outer zones, though prices vary according to distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London offers its advantages but also entails steep living expenses. To alleviate costs, I chose to share a room with a friend, significantly lowering our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages—an experience that private housing might not have readily provided.
### Access to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are abundantly available, while economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland cater to students aiming to save. Being close to necessary stores, including pharmacies, was invaluable, particularly during hectic times like finals.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Determining the right neighbourhood in London can be a complex choice. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, resulting in a mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students are attracted to neighborhoods that evoke familiarity from home.
For example, Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian demographic, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and dynamic music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods merely scratch the surface of the cultural abundance London presents.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the best area to live in London hinges on your individual interests and priorities. Whether you are drawn to the city’s cultural enclaves, its convenience, or its lively ambiance, London accommodates everyone. For anyone on a quest to find a new residence here, I recommend welcoming the variety of its housing options, delving into its distinct neighbourhoods, and immersing yourself in the thrill of this extraordinary city.
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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/)