**Residing in London: Nine Months of Reflections**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months back, I started my adventure of living in London. While it may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has provided me with meaningful perspectives on life in this dynamic and diverse metropolis. London is famous not just for its recognizable landmarks and cultural richness but also for its varied housing choices and flourishing communities. For students, the city presents a wide array of options, including student housing, private rentals, ensuite rooms, shared accommodations, studio apartments, and house shares.
For local students, scheduling an apartment viewing is fairly simple; however, international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom. These platforms enable potential tenants to browse available properties online, evaluate amenities, and check their closeness to public transportation connections.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my search for housing, my focus was directed toward finding a room in Central London. Being close to major landmarks, social venues, and the campus of Imperial College was essential for me. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transportation system—which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy travel between the zones.
Nonetheless, transportation expenses can accumulate rapidly. For example, traveling between zones can be as high as £5.25 a day. To economize, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of depending on public transport. For longer journeys, utilizing an Oyster card helped me considerably cut travel costs. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach outside the Underground network, covering more remote zones, although ticket prices vary based on distance and train operator.
Residing in Central London, while beneficial, comes with steep living expenses. To balance this, I opted to share a room with a university friend. This decision allowed us to economize significantly on rent. I also preferred to stay in intercollegiate student accommodations, as I aspired to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—something that would have been more difficult to find in private housing.
### The Significance of Proximity
For me, having grocery stores nearby was a crucial consideration. London features numerous supermarket chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being in close proximity to essential shops and pharmacies turned out to be a significant time-saver, especially during hectic times like exams.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a borough in London is a challenging endeavor, as the city’s ethnic communities greatly enhance its cultural richness. Many international students tend to gravitate toward neighborhoods that evoke the comfort of their native countries.
– **Southall** in West London stands as a center for the South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops.
– **Brixton**, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean populace and vibrant music scene.
– **Chinatown**, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, buzzes with activity, filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities.
These neighborhoods represent just a few of the rich cultural enclaves that contribute to London’s distinctiveness.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal area to reside in London depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the convenience of Central London, the cultural depth of ethnic neighborhoods, or the affordability of outer zones, the city has something for everyone.
As you begin your search for a home, take the opportunity to navigate through London’s varied housing options, immerse yourself in its rich cultural landscape, and relish the thrill of experiencing 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/)*