**Nine Months in London: A Student’s View on Housing and Community**
*Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Nine months prior, I began my adventure of residing in London. Although this timeframe might not seem extensive, these months have offered me significant perspectives on life in this dynamic city. London is not only a center of varied living options but also a melting pot of cultures from across the globe. For students, the city presents a wide array of housing alternatives, from student residences to private rentals, encompassing ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses.
For local students, scheduling apartment viewings is generally simple, but international students frequently depend on online resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom. These platforms facilitate the search for potential living spaces, allowing users to review amenities and evaluate proximity to public transport prior to their arrival in the metropolis.
### Locating a Place to Call Home
As I commenced my search for accommodation, I concentrated on Central London. Being near major landmarks, social centers, and my university at Imperial College was essential. London is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city’s excellent public transport infrastructure—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—renders commuting between zones manageable.
Nevertheless, travel expenses can accumulate, particularly for inter-zonal trips, which might cost up to £5.25 each day. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing public transport. For more extended commutes, I discovered that Oyster cards greatly diminished travel costs. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, granting access to outer zones. Fares for these services depend on the distance traveled and the fare system of the train operator.
Residing in Central London has its advantages, yet it also entails increased living expenses. To control costs, I opted to share a room with a friend, which resulted in notable rent savings. I additionally selected intercollegiate student accommodations, as I wished to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges—an encounter that private housing might not have facilitated.
### Closeness to Essentials
For me, being near grocery stores was crucial. Some of the most well-known supermarket chains in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies proved to be a valuable time-saver, especially during frantic times like examination periods.
### Selecting the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London is a challenging endeavor. The city’s exceptional cultural diversity is mirrored in its numerous ethnic communities, each presenting a distinct experience. A substantial number of international students tend to gravitate toward areas that evoke memories of home.
For example, Southall in West London is famous for its substantial South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Meanwhile, Chinatown in the West End stands out as a vibrant area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighbourhoods represent but a fraction of the cultural wealth London possesses.
### Celebrating London’s Diversity
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London hinges on your individual tastes and requirements. Whether you are attracted to the city’s varied accommodation choices, its cultural quarters, or the convenience of living near essential services, London provides an array of options for everyone. My suggestion for anyone on the lookout for a home in this extraordinary city is to welcome its diversity, explore its neighbourhoods, and take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.
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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/)*